In its annual assessment of the commissioner of police, the Police Service Commission (PSC) looks at numerous aspects of the commissioner’s performance including professional policing skills, maintenance of law and order, and serving the public.
Newsday made several attempts to get a copy of the current assessment criteria for a CoP but received no response from the commission. There has been widespread criticism from the opposition UNC, business groups and other people over Harewood-Christopher's extension in office until May 2025.
The results of Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher’s latest performance analysis conducted by the commission were recently presented to the government and, according to acting Prime Minster Colm Imbert, her rating was “good.” The commission did what is considered a 360 appraisal where feedback was sought from key stakeholders.
Other possible ratings, he said, were poor, fair, very good and excellent.
Director of the Police Complaints Authority David West, when asked about his assessment, said, "The Commissioner of Police and I have had a very cordial relationship over the last year. I hope that this relationship will continue, as we liaise over matters within my remit as the Director of the Police Complaints Authority."
At a post-Cabinet briefing at Whitehall, Port of Spain, on May 16, Imbert said, “We have received a scientific report, done on a scientific basis on the performance of the police commissioner by an independent commission comprised of distinguished professionals. On what basis would we reject the rating of ‘good’ from the PSC, because we would be rejecting the whole commission as well.”
As a result of that positive assessment, Harewood-Christopher was given a one-year extension of her position effective May 15.
While Newsday could not assess the current criteria, former police commissioner Gary Griffith shared his performance analysis saying he does not believe the criteria would have changed drastically.
Under the heading of policing skills, a CoP was rated on qualities such as proficiency in managing and using resources, a sound knowledge of business and strategic planning and, the practise of performance management and continuous improvement.
Professionalism highlighted acting with integrity, delivering on promises, asking for and acting on feedback on their approach, continuing to learn and adapt to new circumstances, taking responsibility for making tough unpopular decisions, and openly acknowledging shortcomings in the police service and committing to setting them right.
Police commissioners are expected to build public confidence “by actively engaging with different communities, agencies and strategic stakeholders, developing effective partnerships at a local and national level.”
Other expected qualities included: “Maintains public visibility and ensures communication; Considers the wider impact and implications of different options at a community and national level, assessing the costs, risks and benefits of each; Instigates an