Probe other police officers

THE EDITOR: Should one be surprised by the latest police probe against some of its own officers for failing to eject MP Chandresh Sharma from the House last Friday? All things being equal, one would believe it is a routine matter for the police to take such measures in the post mortem of their failings. But all things are not equal, and it is indeed a surprise to see the swift response by senior police officers and the threats of suspension against those who failed to carry out House Speaker Sinanan’s orders, given the record for disciplining their own.

No one has probed, reprimanded or suspended the police officer who failed to tender evidence in the Bajan Fisherman episode. No probe has been carried out against the policemen that cost taxpayer thousands of dollars recently, when they wrongfully arrested Stanley Bissoon and Alphie Subiah.  No probe or suspension, but a promotion for the police officer who shot Richard Ramnarace at a bar, disfiguring him. No probe or suspension of officers when individuals have died whilst in police custody. So why the determined action now to probe and suspend the Red House officers for not removing Chandresh Sharma?

Is it that the hierarchy of the police service is fully compliant with the party in power? There was never a second thought in arresting MPs for a peaceful protest march in Chaguanas a couple years ago. When the charges failed in Court, no probe was done to see why. There seems to be no second thought either when it comes to investigating every claim of corruption, voter padding or trifling incident against the Opposition. But when it comes to investigating matters against the PNM, their record is silent. The perception is the Police Service is no longer an arm of the State, but an arm of the PNM. The uneven manner in which the police conducts its business leaves much to be desired. Crime is out of control and the police are acting as political puppets. We may no longer be in the sugar cane business, but a Banana Republic is where we’re heading.

WAYNE  JAGGERNAUTH
Couva