Two SRPs facing dismissal

According to information reaching Newsday, a report was sent to acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams by head of the Western Division Senior Supt Basdeo Ramdhanie last week recommending the dismissal of the two constables.

Newsday understands that the investigating officer in the matter involving the two SRPs also sent a report to the acting Commissioner.

The two SRP constables assigned to the St James Police station were detained in a a ‘sting’ operation by police after it was discovered they made arrangements with someone to collect $4,000 to forego prosecution for a traffic offence.

However, after the witness failed to cooperate with investigators, the SRPs were released from custody.

The two were on mobile patrol in the Diego Martin area when they stopped a 19-yearold man who allegedly committed a traffic offence.

It is alleged the constables demanded $4,000 from the teenager, to avoid being charged.

The teen made arrangements with a male relative to pay the money and on Friday night the constables were told to meet the person with the money at a certain location in Diego Martin.

Newsday reported that the police were contacted and told of the transaction that was about to take place.

The man was told to place specific, identifiable markings on the money before giving it to the two SRPs.

When the two officers arrived and were handed the money, police officers who were in hiding, moved in and arrested the officers.

On following afternoon, the witnesses __ the teen and the man who handed over the money to the SRPs __ both filed a statement saying they wanted no further police action against the SRPs.

This led to the SRPs being released from custody.