Acting PM to name new top cop today

Trinidad and Tobago’s new police commissioner will be named today by acting Prime Minister Joan Yuille Williams. The name was submitted last week to Prime Minister Patrick Manning for his approval, and will be submitted to Cabinet today. Manning has reportedly approved the Police Service Commission’s (PSC) choice and sources have revealed that Deputy Commissioner Trevor Paul is the man picked by the PSC. A Cabinet source revealed yesterday that DCP Paul was considered the best choice to fill the vacant post. He is also next in line for the job. The appointment of commissioner is made by the PSC, but is subject to consultation with the Prime Minister in accordance with the constitution. The Prime Minister has the power to veto the choice. Political sources revealed that ACP Crime James Philbert  and a civilian were also considered for the post.

Outgoing Commissioner Everald Snaggs will celebrate his 60th birthday next Thursday and his last day on the job is next Wednesday. Several other candidates had applied for the post, and evaluations were carried out. In a release issued yesterday, the PSC revealed that it had completed the evaluation of candidates for the post of commissioner of police. The release also revealed that the PSC had submitted the name of the proposed candidate to the Prime Minister for his consideration, in accordance with the provisions of Sub-section 3 of Section 123 of the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago. Executive members of the Police Service yesterday said they support Paul’s approval by Manning. Paul joined the Police Service on June 1, 1966 and was a former president of the Police First Division Officers Association. He will retire from the Police Service on November 10, 2007.