PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Police Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher says she has given directions for “an investigation to be instantly launched” after a Justice of the Peace criticized a police officer for offering proof “rife with inconsistencies and apparent lies.”
Justice of the Peace Margaret Alert, final on Friday, dismissed a case by which Constable Francesca Thomas had given proof and was cross-examined through the matter involving Kaveed Mohammed, who was earlier than her referring to a number of gadgets of knickknack officers believed to have been in his possession unlawfully.
The courtroom was instructed that the gold-colored chains, earrings, rings, and hand bands have been present in clear packets in a field at a parlor close to Mohammed’s residence in Princes City in south central Trinidad.
Thomas and different officers had executed a search warrant for arms and ammunition at his premises on December 5, however not one of the gadgets on the search warrant have been discovered.
Thomas gave proof final week earlier than the Prince’s City Justice of the Peace. The only proof for the prosecution got here from Thomas, and Justice of the Peace Alert mentioned when examined, in cross-examination, “the inconsistencies, to make use of a beneficiant phrase, grew to become obvious.”
Throughout the trial, the Justice of the Peace requested, “What can a judicial officer make of this colossal mess?”
They mentioned that Thomas had been an officer for 2 months, including, “I’ll simply give particular recommendation, the reality is the reality.
“Don’t permit some other police officer, no matter his or her seniority or relative expertise, to encourage you to talk something however the fact,” the Justice of the Peace mentioned .”
The Police Commissioner mentioned one of many features of a police officer is to apprehend individuals present in breach of the regulation and take them earlier than a courtroom of regulation, the place they’re required to supply proof underneath oath.
“The regulation is obvious on how this course of ought to happen and offers sanctions for individuals who’re present in breach.” she mentioned, including, “I’m conscious of an article in considered one of our native newspapers the place a Lady Police allegedly gave conflicting proof throughout a courtroom matter, as such I’ve given directions for an investigation to be instantly launched into the matter.
“The alleged misconduct, as reported, is deeply troubling, as dishonesty and breaches of public belief is not going to be tolerated by our officers. As Commissioner, I’m dedicated to transparency, accountability, and upholding the best requirements of integrity inside our ranks,” the highest cop added.
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