Cop fights transfer order

A POLICE Corporal who is seeking judicial review by the High Court against a transfer from Southern to Northern Division, as ordered by the Police Service Commission (PSC), was yesterday granted an interim order staying the decision. 

Corporal Shafeeq Mohammed, 53, of Southern Main Road, Duncan Village, was granted the interim order by Justice Peter Jamadar, which allowed the officer to remain at St Margaret’s Police Station (where he is attached) until the completion of the case. The interim order was granted when the matter was called in the First Civil Court of the San Fernando Assizes. Cpl Mohammed is represented by attorney Chateram Sinanan instructed by attorney Kevin Ratiram. Mohammed stated in his affidavit that after 18 years service in the Northern and Central Divisions, he was transferred to the St Margaret’s Police Station on January 6, 2003.

After submitting a medical report in May to the Senior Superintendent of Police in San Fernando, informing his seniors that he suffered from heart disease, hypertension and hyper-cholestorolcamia and had been advised by doctors that travelling long distances could adversely affect his health, Mohammed was later informed by a senior police officer that arrangements would be made for him to work daylight duties only. However, on July 1 he was given notice of a transfer back to the Northern Division. Sinanan told Justice Jamadar that Mohammed was instructed via telephone to take up duties in the Port-of-Spain Division and had not received the order in writing. Mohammed is claming the PSC acted illegally and did not take into account the poor state of his health, age, and service outside the Southern Division.