“The  Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) does not operate by the “whims and fancies” of the Government!”

Indeed the TTPS  is an independent body, insulated from politics, according to top cop Gary Grith, who issued a statement responding to claims from the Opposition United National Congress that the government is seeking to arrest Opposition MPs before the 2020 General Elections.

According to the Commissioner, when allegations are made against anyone, whether they are in politics or otherwise, the Police Service conducts an independent investigation based on the evidence before it,” the statement from the TTPS.

“When a Government Minister was arrested and charged in 2019 that was based on evidence adduced and investigations conducted by the TTPS. I did not hear anyone insinuate politics in that matter. It does not matter who you are. When allegations are made, we investigate and later charge” Griffith is quoted as saying.

“So the Police knocking on the door of a Government Minister at four in the morning was good police work but if the Opposition operatives are to face police action, it is about the coming elections. No one is above the law. Let the law take its course and let our independent TTPS do its job without being unfairly tarnished by the Opposition. The wheels of justice may turn slowly, but they do turn,”  Griffith said.

Griffith said such allegations against an independent body like the TTPS, can do irreparable harm to the organization and the country.

“Since becoming Commissioner of Police in August 2018, Commissioner Griffith has brought to an end two outstanding investigations – Emailgate and the plant-like substance found at the home of Opposition Leader, Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

“According to the CoP, those matters were investigated by the independent TTPS before they were brought to a close” the statement from the  TTPS  noted.