Two months after the promotion of 900 police constables to the rank of Corporal, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has launched an internal assessment to scrutinize the possibility of erroneous promotions.
This unexpected development has raised questions about the integrity of the recent promotions and the potential impact on officers within the force.
Commissioner’s request for clarification
Recent reports indicate that an internal memorandum from the Commissioner was directed to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Ramnarine Samaroo, who oversees the Administration department.
This memorandum was not merely a routine correspondence; rather, it sought critical information regarding which officers might have been “erroneously promoted.”
The Commissioner’s memo also outlined specific queries that required answers. DCP Samaroo was tasked with highlighting the potential challenges that a revised merit list might pose to the TTPS.
Additionally, he was asked to assess how the revision would impact second-division officers, encompassing those within the rank of Constable to Corporal.
Furthermore, the Commissioner sought information about any short-term strategies devised to mitigate any fallout that might arise upon the publication of the revised list.
Deadline for response
The DCP was given until November 22 to provide the requested information.
Media reports are that the responses gathered from this process will play a pivotal role in shaping a new merit list.
The implications are significant, as the introduction of this revised list could potentially lead to the demotion of some recently promoted Corporals, relegating them back to the rank of Constable.
Expressions of discontent in September
This unexpected turn of events follows an earlier development in September when several constables who were not promoted to the rank of Corporal expressed their dissatisfaction.
Reports are that many of these officers, despite boasting substantial policing experience and accolades, expressed that they felt overlooked and snubbed by the promotion process.
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