Police chief puts hold on promotions

ALL promotions made in the Police Service over the last two weeks have been temporarily halted by Commis-sioner of Police (CoP) Trevor Paul. “This decision was taken following a recent meeting of the police executive,” Oswyn Allard, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), told Newsday. “The decision was taken based on the fact that, according to the Police Act, the concerned officers have 14 days to challenge the transfers, air grievances and objections.

The commissioner took this into consideration and realising some supervisors were letting personal feelings influence recommendations, has decided to do some ‘cleansing’ of the system. “The commissioner has made it known that should he discover any irregularities, or unfair behaviour on the part of the supervisors, the strictest disciplinary action will be taken. He is not a hater. He is about justice. “He has given the aggrieved officers the opportunity to criticise supervisors and express themselves and anyone found wanting will be dealt with.”

During the recent promotions, several “middle” officers received letters of non-promotion, while many juniors received letters of promotions, effectively putting them above their previous superiors. As a result, a number of affected officers filed writs against the Police Service Commission and the CoP. “Because of this, a hold has been placed on all promotions until a critical examination is done. All this stupidness must stop. The Police Service, from the executive to the constables, is trying to attract persons of high calibre and to achieve this, all the pettiness must end now,” added the DCP. CoP Paul was unavailable for comment.