Did CoP approve officer’s article

THE EDITOR: This is an open letter to the Commissioner of Police (CoP), the Minister of National Security and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission. Gentlemen, In a recent issue of the Newsday, an article purportedly written by a proud police officer with 25 years service was published with the picture of the CoP emblazoned at the top. In the letter, the writer praised the CoP and the Government and criticised the Opposition. Mr Snaggs might have felt very proud and indeed happy to have his picture so published.

I have no problem whatsoever with police officers supporting a political party of their choice as that is their constitutional right, however, I think the Police Service Regulations prohibit police officers from publicly expressing their political views and moreover, and I quote from memory, “No police officer shall communicate with the press except with the express permission of the CoP in writing.” I would like the Minister of National Security and The Chairman of the Police Service Commission to enquire of Mr Snaggs whether he gave this police officer the required authority and whether he approved of the letter submitted for publication. I would like the Opposition in Parliament to pursue this matter vigorously for this police officer may be required at some stage to keep order where meetings and demonstrations by opposition parties are held.

EMRITH PERSAD
(Retired Police Instructor)
Marabella