WHILE former Commissioner of Police (CoP) Erla Harewood-Christopher was praised by former colleagues for her character, questions were raised about the strength of her leadership during her time at the helm of the police service.
Over her tenure, the country recorded its highest-ever murder tolls and low detection rates.
Her time in office was also marked by controversy, ultimately culminating in her being placed on leave. She was appointed Trinidad and Tobago's first female commissioner on February 3, 2023.
In late January, she was arrested at her office at the Police Administration Building, Sackville Street, Port of Spain, during the state of emergency she initiated. She was later suspended by the Police Service Commission (PolSC).
Her arrest stemmed from a high-profile investigation into alleged misconduct in public office, centred on her approval for the purchase of two sniper rifles for the Strategic Services Agency (SSA).
Also implicated in the investigation was former SSA director, retired Major Roger Best. They were later released without being charged, pending further investigations. On May 10, Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard, SC, said there was insufficient evidence to support any criminal offence against the CoP.
On May 12, the High Court ruled that her suspension was lawful. The judge hearing the case said he fully expected the PolSC would "take all necessary steps" in relation to Harewood-Christopher's suspension.
She attempted to resume duty shortly after the hearing, but since she was not formally notified of the lifting of her suspension, she could not do so. On May 14, at 6.21 pm, she received the PolSC's letter lifting her suspension. This came hours after she was directed to take immediate vacation leave on the very last day of her contract, so she did not leave office while still serving as CoP.
Harewood-Christopher has declined to give interviews since then.
Failed Initiatives, Low Detection Rate
Last July, amid a surge in violent crime, Harewood-Christopher unveiled her violent crime reduction plan, which aimed to reduce homicides by ten per cent.
"We are focusing on the dismantling of criminal gangs, the retrieval of illegal firearms, the eradication of drug blocks, and increased focus on transnational crime. We are enhancing our police intelligence capability. We are leveraging the use of technology to enhance police operations," Harewood-Christopher said at a press conference.
In addition to reducing homicides, the plan also sought to target repeat offenders and strengthen the relationship between the police and the public.
"We are building legitimacy and public trust and confidence, increasing police presence and visibility, improving the quality of the police response, increasing accountability through greater supervision and management of police operations, improving our roadway management, exhibiting a zero-tolerance position on police indiscipline and corruption, promoting positive public messaging, and focusing on cybercrimes."
Her plan als
