Top cop goes on leave today

Williams is expected to travel to Australia to be the recipient of an award from members of the International Women’s Police Association.

He will then travel to China to attend an INTERPOL conference for commissioners of police then proceed on a short vacation with loved ones.

Sources revealed that Phillip was also due to proceed on a three-month course in Washington which would have started in a few days’ time and Acting Deputy Commissioner Deodath Dulalchan would have acted as commissioner in the absence of Williams.

However, sources also revealed that Phillip and Acting Deputy Commissioner Earla Christopher, who was supposed to travel to Australia to attend a conference, were called to a meeting on Saturday and informed that they were not granted permission to leave the country.

It remained unclear why leave for the two officers was not granted.

As a result of the new development, Assistant Commissioner of Police Surujdean Persad will act as deputy commissioner of Police in charge of crime.

Efforts to contact both Williams and Phillip proved futile.

Phillip was reported to be in meetings with the Director or Public Prosecutions yesterday seeking direction in an investigation against former attorney general Anand Ramlogan.

Sources also revealed yesterday that, prior to proceeding on leave, Williams sent messages to several senior officers that they were transferred to various sections and branches.