While Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher says she feels vindicated after her suspension was lifted on May 12, her lawyers say they will advise her to sue the officers who arrested her in January.

Harewood-Christopher was suspended by the Police Service Commission (PSC) in February after her arrest amid an investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office.

The investigations centred on the approval of the importation of two sniper rifles for use by the Strategic Services Agency (SSA).

On May 10, Director of Public Prosecution Roger Gaspard said there was not enough evidence for a successful prosecution.

Harewood-Christopher’s suspension was lifted on the morning of May 12 in a court hearing at the High Court and she arrived at the Police Administration Building at around 1.15 pm with her lawyer Pamela Elder, SC, greeted the waiting media, and went upstairs.

Elder said she sat in a waiting room as acting Commissioner Junior Benjamin was not in the building at the time.

When Benjamin returned, he invited Harewood-Christopher into the conference room where the duo had a successful handover.

Harewood-Christopher’s first official business back in office was a meeting with Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander.

Speaking with the media after rushing across to the short meeting at the ministry’s Abercromby Street offices, Harewood-Christopher said she felt vindicated and thanked God and her lawyers.

"I have been vindicated, which I expected. In my 43 years of service, there are no allegations of misconduct, be it criminal or otherwise. My service has always been with integrity."

Alexander: Government to discuss Erla’s future

Harewood-Christopher’s future in the post may be short-lived as her contract ends on May 14. To continue in the role, she must be granted an extension – which she has received twice from the previous administration.

Asked if she was expecting an extension she said, “I expect my heavenly father to take good care of me. Whatever God has in store for me, that is what will happen.”

Alexander, meanwhile, said he had a “good” and “cordial” conversation with Harewood-Christopher and admitted the issue of her contract extension was discussed.

However, in an interview with Newsday hours after the meeting, he declined to give details.

“I don’t want to speak on it too much.

“We know what we have to do, so we will treat with it when it happens.”

He said the matter will be discussed by government as soon as possible before an official position is taken.

“It might be tomorrow or the next day, but we will see how we are going forward.”

Asked about the dynamic, given that Harewood-Christopher was his boss a few months ago when he was a Snr Supt and the roles have now been reversed, Alexander said that was not an issue.

“I’m a professional and I believe in honesty, integrity and professionalism.

“We spoke and we didn’t even discuss that to be honest. I have respect for her and I think she has respect for me and that is where we kept it.”

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