Cops disgruntled over free work at football match

Officers contacted the Police Social and Welfare Association yesterday and complained bitterly about the situation.

Officers claimed that they heard, through informed sources, that their seniors were given the directive to roster officers to work at the football match as part of normal duties and that no extra duty allowances would be paid to them.

Officers were advised by the Police Social and Welfare Association to carry out their duties in the interest of the public and the matter would be dealt with at a later date.

One officer suggested yesterday that if the police officers were to work for free, then the public should not be charged to enter the venue.

Yesterday, secretary of the association, Assistant Superintendent Anand Ramesar said, “Any action that details police officers to work at private functions that are run by organisations other than those that are controlled by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago goes against the law as it relates to police officers working extra duties.

“On the heels of that, it has been brought to the attention of the association that police officers were detailed to work at the Ato Boldon Stadium for a football match between Trinidad and Tobago, and Honduras.

“That is causing some concern among the membership of the association.” “In previous times this has been under the umbrella of extra duties, however in this situation it is being advised that officers are being detailed to work at this event. The question is whether the Trinidad and Tobago football association is a Government body.

This is a question to be answered and if it is no then the directive goes against all which requires that events requiring police officers are to be acquired through extra duties.” Ramesar also noted that the association was doing all that was required to maintain law and order. However, he pointed out the requirement for extra police officers was not sitting well with the association.

He said, “We understand that this situation is a result of a political directive and we are calling on Minister Dillon to say whether this came from his office.”