Shake up at Special Branch

Newsday understands Assistant Commissioner of Police Ainsley Garrick, who is in charge of Special Branch, is expected to be sent on leave. He will be replaced by Senior Superintendent Wendy Wilkinson who heads the Western Division.

Other changes made by Williams include Senior Superintendent Inraj Balram being sent on leave and Senior Superintendent Rawle Hercules being transferred to the Port of Spain CID. Superintendent Gallindeau has been elevated to the rank of Snr Supt at the Homicide Bureau. Senior Superintendent Anthony James will serve as acting Assistant Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner Harrikrish Baldeo will act as Deputy Commissioner.

Sources alleged Williams’ actions stemmed from an alleged conflict between Special Branch and an elite intelligence unit. It was revealed that a high-level meeting was recently held among the high-ranking officers during which there was a heated argument. Newsday understands the matter was reported to Williams. Lee is to be replaced by Wendell Williams who is in charge of the Port of Spain CID. The new person to fill the post at the Port of Spain CID is Ag Snr Supt Ajith Persad.

Contacted for comment, Garrick told Newsday he was not aware he was being sent on leave.

Efforts to reach Williams proved futile.