Seven cops for acting CJ

Officers from the Police Transport Branch, the Port-of-Spain CID, and the Guard and Emergency Branch took up duties from Friday afternoon, shortly after Hamel-Smith took up the acting appointment.

Police Commissioner Trevor Paul told Sunday Newsday Chief Justice Sat Sharma will continue to have police officers assigned to his security detail. Sharma currently has seven police officers assigned to him.

Sharma and Hamel-Smith will each have a static guard at their respective homes, as well as a driver who is a uniformed officer. Another officer from the CID will sit with Sharma and Hamel-Smith in their vehicles when they leave their homes, and three officers in two unmarked vehicles will provide a travelling escort for both men.

Checks yesterday at the home of the Chief Justice revealed that the Guard and Emergency Branch officer was still on duty there. Sources close to Sharma told Sunday Newsday yesterday that he is yet to decide whether to report for duty tomorrow.

Sharma is still the Chief Justice although he has been relieved of his duties. Legal sources said that Sharma will continue to receive his full pay and benefits, although he will not be in charge of the judiciary. Sharma is due to retire in 18 months time.