PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Police Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher says she has given instructions for “an investigation to be immediately launched” after a magistrate criticized a police officer for providing evidence “rife with inconsistencies and obvious lies.”
Magistrate Margaret Alert, last on Friday, dismissed a case in which Constable Francesca Thomas had given evidence and was cross-examined during the matter involving Kaveed Mohammed, who was before her relating to several items of jewelry officers believed to have been in his possession unlawfully.
The court was told that the gold-colored chains, earrings, rings, and hand bands were found in clear packets in a box at a parlor near Mohammed’s home in Princes Town in south central Trinidad.
Thomas and other officers had executed a search warrant for arms and ammunition at his premises on December 5, but none of the items on the search warrant were found.
Thomas gave evidence last week before the Prince’s Town magistrate. The sole evidence for the prosecution came from Thomas, and Magistrate Alert said when tested, in cross-examination, “the inconsistencies, to use a generous word, became apparent.”
During the trial, the magistrate asked, “What can a judicial officer make of this colossal mess?”
They said that Thomas had been an officer for two months, adding, “I will just give specific advice, the truth is the truth.
“Do not allow any other police officer, regardless of his or her seniority or relative experience, to encourage you to speak anything but the truth,” the magistrate said .”
The Police Commissioner said one of the functions of a police officer is to apprehend persons found in breach of the law and take them before a court of law, where they are required to provide evidence under oath.
“The law is clear on how this process should take place and provides sanctions for persons who are found in breach.” she said, adding, “I am aware of an article in one of our local newspapers where a Woman Police allegedly gave conflicting evidence during a court matter, as such I have given instructions for an investigation to be immediately launched into the matter.
“The alleged misconduct, as reported, is deeply troubling, as dishonesty and breaches of public trust will not be tolerated by our officers. As Commissioner, I am committed to transparency, accountability, and upholding the highest standards of integrity within our ranks,” the top cop added.
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