POLICE TOP brass were sent into a tailspin after Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher was detained in connection with a criminal probe surrounding the importation of two military-grade sniper weapons for the Strategic Services Agency (SSA).
On January 30, Harewood-Christopher, who is nearing the end of her second year in the post, remained locked for several hours in her office at the Police Administration Building, Sackville Street, Port of Spain, with two officers standing guard outside her door.
She was told investigators had questions about her alleged involvement in authorising the importation of the prohibited weapons.
Around 4.30 pm, Harewood-Christopher, after having a meal in her office, was read her constitutional right to remain silent before being questioned by investigators Sgt Amir Mohammed and Cpl Adrian Smith, in the presence of her attorneys Terry Boyer and Robert Doodnath.
Police said Harewood-Christopher will remain in custody overnight at Police Administration Building before investigators consult with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Under the Firearms Act, only the police, defence force and the Director of Forensic Science are authorised to have automatic weapons.
Harewood-Christopher is alleged to have signed the import permits for two Accuracy International AX bolt-action sniper rifles for the SSA, which were imported by an east Trinidad gun dealer. Police confiscated the weapons from Customs before they were delivered to the SSA, officers said.
Senior officers were at a loss for words when contacted about the development.
One officer on the TTPS executive, speaking on condition of anonymity, said he was awaiting information and agreed the public should be informed of the facts surrounding the matter to avoid speculation and misinformation.
Joanne Archie, police corporate communications manager, contacted for comment said, “I don’t have any information.”
[caption id="attachment_1136149" align="alignnone" width="1024"] The vehicle assigned to CoP Erla Harewood-Christopher leaves Police Administration Building shortly before 5 pm on January 30. - Photo by Angelo Marcelle[/caption]
Senior officers raised questions about whether Harewood-Christopher should remain in office during a pending criminal investigation in which she is a subject.
An e-mail seeking clarity on this issue was sent to the secretariat of the Police Service Commission on January 30, but there was no response up to press time.
Newsday understands key government ministers were aware of the pending investigation involving Harewood-Christopher and former SSA director Major Roger Best.
Questions sent via WhatApp seeking comment from the Prime Minister and National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds were not acknowledged.
Calls to Minister in the Ministry of National Security Keith Scotland were not answered.
The CoP was detained even as divisional commanders met with Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations Junior Benjamin at the Police Administration Bui
