Top CoP served with pre-action protocol letter

The pre-action protocol letter to the Acting CoP which was served to him on Monday stated, “In the circumstance it is the opinion of the Association and its members that the scheduled examination is without proper planning, structure or consultation nor is there any proper syllabus for consideration to properly prepare for a two-anda- half-hour long examination”.

The letter further stated, “the timing of the distribution of the syllabus less than one month before the exams is also an indication of the lack of proper planning and notification to the candidates for the exam”.

Additionally it noted, “The modus operandi of the scheduling of this exam is to deprive the officers on the merit list of their legitimate expectation of the opportunity to be promoted without having to sit an exam. It also fails to take account for the candidates who are unable to attend the ‘crash course’ on the listed dates. Nor are candidates provided with the tools or sufficient time necessary to prepare for the exam.” The letter continued, “In this regard the Association is calling on you in the interest of fairness, good governance and confidence in the leadership of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service to reschedule the proposed exams until the relevant issues surrounding the Promotion Exams are given the proper consideration that it deserves.

Please be informed that should the exams not be rescheduled we have our clients’ firm instructions to seek an injunction halting the said exam and also judicial review of the decision to implement the exam at this time given all the prevailing circumstance and your failure to reschedule same. Should we not receive a response within seven (7) days of the date of this letter, legal action would be initiated against you and the Examinations Board without further notice. In the circumstances please be guided accordingly.

This letter serves as a Pre-Action Protocol Letter and is forwarded to you pursuant to the Civil Proceedings Rules 1998 (as amended)”.

Yesterday, President of PSWA Inspector Michael Seales confirmed to Newsday that he and his Executive were mandated to send the pre-action protocol letter to the Acting CoP and said that he is hoping that good sense would prevail and the promotion exams will be rescheduled in the interest of fairness to those sergeants seeking to be elevated to the next higher rank.