UK cops earning more than CoP

He said he only learnt of the appointments via media reports.

According to Chase, his association was promised a meeting with Police Commissioner Trevor Paul and Brigadier Peter Joseph, the Head of the Special Anti Crime Unit (SAUTT), to discuss the working arrangements and salaries of the United Kingdom officers, but that meeting never took place.

He said the appointments will not affect the organisational structure of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, but all attempts will be made to find out the salary ranges of the UK officers.

Chase made it clear that the police service can benefit from the expertise and skills of the UK officers.

On Thursday, Newsday reported the appointment of two UK officers to the rank of ACP. One day later, the Ministry of National Security issued a press release to confirm that retired United Kingdom officers Dave King and Ian Delbarre were appointed Assistant Commissioners of Police.

Delbarre is a former Scotland Yard Commander and King is a retired detective, Chief Inspector.

They specialise in dealing with domestic violence and organised crime, specifically drug trafficking.

Government had announced that 39 Scotland Yard officers were contracted to assist in the fight against crime, but the release yesterday indicated that only 27 of the UK officers are in the country.

The contingent of UK officers includes three female officers, one of whom was appointed SRP sergeant and the other two SRP corporals.

ACP Delbarre is now Deputy Director of Strategic Coordination and Operations at SAUTT, while King will serve as Deputy Director of Investigations.

The contingent of UK officers includes two ACPs, one senior superintendent, three superintendents, one inspector, five sergeants and 15 corporals.

Police Commissioner Trevor Paul receives a salary of close to $25,000 a month complete with allowances and other benefits.

Newsday learnt that the two UK officers appointed ACPs will now be earning close to TT $100,000 per month.

The salaries were approved by Cabinet and do not include “allowances or expenditure in support of spouses or dependents.”

Chase said, “we have no problem with the appointments because it does not interfere with the promotion of other officers.

“While I will agree that a great effort should be made to expedite promotions in the police service, we are still to ascertain the salaries of the UK officers.”

He added that salary negotiations started earlier this month and his association may be using the salaries of the UK officers as a yardstick to convince the CPO that regular police officers should be paid better wages and receive appropriate allowances.