BlackFacts Details

Police: Good cops must report on bad cops - Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in charge of the Criminal Division Curt Simon has called on police officers to give information on other police officers who may be involved in wrong-doings.

Simon made the call at the weekly press briefing at the Police Administration Building, Port of Spain on October 11.

Simon said police are encouraged to give information on other police officers.

"Even in my tenure as a police officer, which spans 36 years, I have done it before.

"I have not found any complications with it. However, we encourage our officers, just as we do the public, if you know something, bring the information and we would deal with it."

Simon said the police have the investigative power, not limited to the Professional Standards Bureau (PSB) and complaints department.

"There are also other intelligence units to investigate police officers 'bent on mischief.'"

Simon's call comes after two Central police officers, Ag Cpl Ashraph Mohammed, 45, and Jason Dan Michael, 34, were charged with murder and kidnapping for ransom – including misbehaviour in public office – of Central used-car dealer Sachel Kungebeharry.

Mohammed and Michael appeared in the High Court before Master Magaret Sookraj-Goswami on October 11.

Kungebeharry, 32, of Pierre Road, Felicity, was kidnapped on September 25, by two men wearing what appeared to be police tactical uniforms, in a marked police car that intercepted the car he was in at Endeavour Road Extension, Chaguanas.

A ransom demand was later made and on September 29, the family paid $500,000, but he was not released.

On October 3, police found Kungebeharry's body in Longdenville.

Dark days for the police, country

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in charge of Intelligence and Investigations Suzette Martin, ACP in charge of Administration and Special Operations Richard Smith and Snr Supt in charge of the Criminal Investigations Department and Criminal Records Office Claire Guy-Alleyne were also at the press briefing.

Martin, in response to the two officers being charged said it was a dark day for the police and the country.

"I know many of you are feeling hurt, angry and feeling a deep sense of betrayal and I share in that pain.

"This is not just a betrayal of the victims and the family but a betrayal of the trust the public has placed in the police service."

She said while she understands the foundation of trust in the police is "shaken", the majority of police were hard-working and honourable.

"Many of you will feel uneasy and anger towards the entire service, but I ask that you do not lose sight that many officers serve with honour who risk their lives daily to ensure your safety.

"The actions of a few, do not represent the values of all."

Martin said the police are committed to reacquiring the trust of the public by taking steps to initiate, "Reform, transparency and building relationships with every community.

"I will ensure that accountability measures are strengthened...as a long term commitment to the public. This includes, re

Sports Facts