Recommendations to change the existing use of force policy in the Police Service, to end private criminal complaints against police officers without approval from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) and improved information communication technology are some of the measures being put forward by the slate “Police For Police”, led by acting Corporal Darlington Emerson Francis as the June 27 Police Association election draws closer.
Francis made the remarks at his slate’s launch at the Police Administration Building, Port-of-Spain, yesterday.
The position of vice-president is being challenged by Cpl Ricardo Nicome, secretary Cpl Sheldon Narine and PC Kwame Smith as trustee.
Francis, who took the current association’s executive, led by Insp Anand Ramesar, to task said under Ramesar’s stewardship the welfare of offices had been sorely neglected.
Regarding the bid to end private criminal complaints, Francis said thousands of man hours were lost every month by police complainants and police witnesses attending court to “get a simple postponement.”
“This archaic and ineffective court system is contributing to manpower shortages in the Police Service and it needs to be addressed urgently so that a greater presence of officers can be visible on the streets fighting crime,” Francis urged.
The team would also be lobbying to make policing more attractive by ensuring all officers who are degree-holders and work in specialist sections were paid appropriate allowances commensurate with contract officers and other public officers in the government service.
If the team wins it would also be moving to increase the death benefit from $10,000 to twice that amount.
Refund for SRPs
Francis alleged that under the current executive some 1,000 Special Reserve Police officers had to fork out $100 to have application for housing processed.
The monies, he promised, would be refunded to all SRPs effective July 1.
Francis and his team also pledges to provide a home for the SRP Sports Club and provide $30,000 to revive the club.
Cultural activities were also sorely lacking in the organisation but the team has planned to introduce a chutney competition with a first prize of $60,000.
The Ramesar-led administration was criticised over the dilapidated conditions at the association’s office at the Besson Street Police Station.
Questions also arose on the legality of suspended current association secretary, Insp Michael Seales, contesting the post of president. Ramesar is running for association secretary.
Seales responds
In an interview yesterday, Seales said the fact that he has been on suspension did not disqualify him from contesting the post of president of the association.
He said the rules of the organisation were that a serving member could only serve two terms in the same position.
He added: “What has happened is that Ramesar has exhausted his term (as president) and so have i as secretary so we have fielded a team which brought about some changes. Ramesar will now contest the seat of secretary and I will contest the post of president.”
Seales said Inspector Roger Alexander, who was vice-president of the association, had withdrawn from their slate to join Team Reform while former vice- president, acting Supt Richard Corbett, would replace Alexander.
Asked whether he needed to get permission from acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams and the police executive to seek re-election although he is on suspension Seales said no as the commissioner had “no business in the police election process.”
Seales said he looked forward to lead the association as president and represent all police officers.
Seales was suspended in June 2015 after he reportedly said on television talk show that the PP government was attempting to provoke the police so that a State of Emergency could be declared in order to delay the general election.