Trinidad Deputy Commissioner of Police Suzette Martin is under investigation, months after leading a probe into alleged misconduct by former Police Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher.
The announcement came during a media briefing on Monday, held at the Police Administration Building on Sackville Street. Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro confirmed that Martin is being investigated in connection with the controversial 2022 arrest of firearms dealer and trainer Brent Thomas in Barbados.
Thomas, 61, was detained while waiting for a flight to the United States and later charged with three counts of possession of firearms and four counts of possession of explosives.
According to a release from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), the investigation into Martin stemmed from an audit conducted by the Professional Standards Bureau at a firearms dealership in Aranguez. That audit uncovered several irregularities, leading to a search of the dealer’s home, where officers reportedly found four explosive devices and three prohibited firearms.
In April 2023, High Court judge Devindra Rampersad ruled that Thomas’ arrest—led by Martin—was effectively an “abduction.” Then-Attorney General Reginald Armour subsequently issued an apology to Barbadian authorities.
When asked for details on the allegations, Commissioner Guevarro said: “The firearm dealer would have indicated certain acts were carried out against him and he felt this was bordering on criminal conduct. I would not want to pronounce on exactly what is that criminal conduct because an investigation is underway and we will be certain that the investigation when completed will uncover whatever criminal conduct exists.”
Guevarro emphasized that the TTPS remains committed to its mandate despite ongoing leadership controversies. He said publicly disclosing the probe into Martin reflects the organization’s commitment to “transparency and accountability.”
Martin remains in her role as Deputy Commissioner with responsibility for intelligence and investigations. She has not been suspended.
Asked whether her continued presence could compromise the probe, Guevarro said he had full confidence in the team led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Curt Simon.
“I have every trust and faith in the investigative team that they will be able to uncover any misgivings that would have occurred or, I should say, lend to the misbelief that misgivings will occur,” he said.
Only the Police Service Commission has the authority to suspend officers, Guevarro noted.
