Trinidad Deputy Commissioner of Police Suzette Martin is below investigation, months after main a probe into alleged misconduct by former Police Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher.
The announcement got here throughout a media briefing on Monday, held on the Police Administration Constructing on Sackville Road. Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro confirmed that Martin is being investigated in reference to the controversial 2022 arrest of firearms supplier and coach Brent Thomas in Barbados.
Thomas, 61, was detained whereas ready for a flight to the US and later charged with three counts of possession of firearms and 4 counts of possession of explosives.
In line with a launch from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), the investigation into Martin stemmed from an audit carried out by the Skilled Requirements Bureau at a firearms dealership in Aranguez. That audit uncovered a number of irregularities, resulting in a search of the supplier’s residence, the place officers reportedly discovered 4 explosive gadgets and three prohibited firearms.
In April 2023, Excessive Court docket choose Devindra Rampersad dominated that Thomas’ arrest—led by Martin—was successfully an “abduction.” Then-Legal professional Common Reginald Armour subsequently issued an apology to Barbadian authorities.
When requested for particulars on the allegations, Commissioner Guevarro mentioned: “The firearm supplier would have indicated sure acts had been carried out in opposition to him and he felt this was bordering on felony conduct. I’d not need to pronounce on precisely what’s that felony conduct as a result of an investigation is underway and we will probably be sure that the investigation when accomplished will uncover no matter felony conduct exists.”
Guevarro emphasised that the TTPS stays dedicated to its mandate regardless of ongoing management controversies. He mentioned publicly disclosing the probe into Martin displays the group’s dedication to “transparency and accountability.”
Martin stays in her function as Deputy Commissioner with accountability for intelligence and investigations. She has not been suspended.
Requested whether or not her continued presence may compromise the probe, Guevarro mentioned he had full confidence within the group led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Curt Simon.
“I’ve each belief and religion within the investigative group that they are going to have the ability to uncover any misgivings that will have occurred or, I ought to say, lend to the misbelief that misgivings will happen,” he mentioned.
Solely the Police Service Fee has the authority to droop officers, Guevarro famous.
