Top cop recalls non-promotion letters

Letters which were sent to senior sergeants informing them that they had not been recommended for promotion were recalled yesterday. Newsday learnt that Police Commissioner Trevor Paul was briefed about the concerns of the officers, and he instructed that the letters served to the senior sergeants be recalled. The process started yesterday. Contacted yesterday, the commissioner was only willing to say he was dealing with the issue. Sources revealed that Paul will send a new list of names to the Police Service Commission, which will be based on seniority. Junior sergeants who were recommended for promotion by retired Commissioner Everald Snaggs will now have to wait for promotion. On Monday, confusion reigned when the senior sergeants, who were acting as inspectors for more than a year, were informed they were not recommended for promotion.

All the letters, dated July 6, were signed by retired Police Commissioner Everald Snaggs. The disgruntled sergeants told Newsday two female officers, junior to those who were served letters, were recommended for promotion. One of the two women will retire next year. On Tuesday, the Police Service Commission sent back the list of names, questioning the reasons why junior sergeants were recommended for promotion over senior ones. The officers who received letters contacted a prominent attorney to assist them in the matter. They have 14 days to respond. President of the Police Second Division, acting Cpl Cedric Neptune, yesterday met with Paul to discuss the matter. The selection process for promotions is based on staff reports and seniority. Recently, Paul said plans were afoot to promote police officers based on merit.