The Police Service Social and Welfare Association has applauded Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley for his declaration that National Security Minister Edmund Dillon will not be dismissed.
President Insp Anand Ramesar said Dillon was not at fault for the escalating crime situation in the country. He said Government is responsible for implementation of policies and had no part to play in the operational aspects of crime fighting which is solely the responsibility of the Police Service.
“The call for the removal of the National Security Minister appears to be a bit premature. There are many other considerations that must be factored in before such a decision is even considered,” he said.
In fact, Ramesar commended the minister for keeping his promise to absorb some 1500 special reserve police officers (SRPs) into the Police Service. He said the association is due to meet with Dillon in the first week of June to set the criteria for the selection of the SRPs into the Police Service.
The rebranding of the service, including new uniforms for officers, is on-stream, Ramesar said, and a committee, including two representatives from the association, has already been put in place.
Ramesar who also commended the minister for initiating a manpower audit into the Police Service added: “We are aware that the ministry will involve personnel from the UK and that in recent times those persons would have come to Trinidad to have preliminary considerations on the issue.
“These particular initiatives triggered under Dillon need to be allowed to have an impact before any call for his removal.”
There have been calls for Dillon to be fired because of the country's abysmally low crime detection rate and high homicide rate.
However, speaking to members of the media over the weekend during the People’s National Movement (PNM) sports and family day at Mt Pleasant ground, Tobago, Rowley expressed confidence in Dillon, who has held the post since the PNM took office last September.
“I have absolutely no such thought to dismiss Minister Dillon. As a matter of fact, the National Security Minister is working very, very effectively in ensuring that we put the country in a position to respond to the crime challenges. “It is not just a question of changing a minister,” Rowley had said.
CONCERN OVER COP
SELECTION PROCESS
Ramesar has expressed concern over the “very delayed” process for the selection of a permanent Police Commissioner.
With the latest six months extension granted to acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams expiring at the end of June, Ramesar lamented the lack of proper stakeholder participation in the process.
“In the first instance one needs to look at the performance of the Police Service Commission in relation to national security. The selection process for a police commissioner must be expedited and the public must be informed every step of the way.” Ramesar said he would also be applying for the post of Commission but could only do so when the position was advertised. To date there has been no advertisement for the post.