PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC -Police Commissioner, Allister Guevarro, said the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) remains “committed to accountability” as controversy continues over the shooting death of Joshua Samaroo by police.
The director of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA), David West, has confirmed that his agency has launched an investigation after a video circulating on social media showed Samaroo surrendering to the police with his hands up.
The incident, which occurred on January 20 in St. Augustine along the east-west corridor, also resulted in Samaroo’s wife, Kala Sealy, being left paralysed.
But in a recorded message to the media, Guevarro said. At the same time, he acknowledges the public’s concerns surrounding the police involved shooting, he is also aware that “a video lasting five minutes and 29 seconds has been circulating online, which captured 15 seconds of gunfire.
“While this footage has sparked widespread commentary and calls for the suspension of the officers involved and abuse of police powers under a state of emergency (SoE), it is critical to clarify that the incident did not occur because of any SoE or the use of any emergency powers granted to the police under the SoE. This was strictly routine police functions being carried out when this incident occurred,” the top cop said.
He said that the shooting incident followed a 12-minute vehicular pursuit, adding, “I want to highlight that the vehicle shared publicly represents only the final seconds of this pursuit and does not reflect the full scope of the events.
“Having reviewed the evidence gathered thus far, including the same video posted online, I find no basis at this time to suspend or place any officer on administrative leave. However, I have recommended counselling for the officers involved.”
Guevarro said in keeping with “our commitment to transparency and accountability, a first division officer has been appointed to lead the investigation.
“Simultaneously, the PCA (Police Complaints Authority), which is an independent body to the TTPS, as well as the Professional Standards Bureau, are conducting independent enquiries.”
Guevarro said while he had considered releasing additional video recordings and audio in the public interest, “legal advice cautioned against doing so as it may prejudice the integrity of the investigation.
“The TTPS remains committed to accountability. But that accountability must be exercised reasonably and without compromising due process. Should any wrongdoing be identified upon completion of these investigations, decisive and appropriate action will be taken. Still, at this time, I am asking the public to allow the investigative process to proceed.
“In the interim, I urge members of the public to share any relevant information with investigators and to refrain from posting potential evidence online, as this may compromise the ongoing enquiries.”
Guevarro said that the “TTPS remains resolute in its duty to protect and serve with integrity, and we ask for the public’s patience and cooperation as this matter is thoroughly examined”.
Meanwhile, former police commissioner Gary Griffith is calling on Guevarro to provide answers on why an estimated 1,200 body-worn cameras procured under his tenure are not being used.
Griffith said that the incident, which led to Samaroo’s death, is a serious concern as the deceased was seen placing his hands in the air as if trying to surrender before officers opened fire.
He said under his tenure, public confidence in the police service was at 59 per cent. In comparison, a recent survey now places it at eight per cent, and to improve the score, he is suggesting that the current leadership must revisit and implement many of the changes he pioneered in the service while at its helm.
He said chief among them was to utilise the body cameras he had acquired, and, despite criticism, they were adequate for providing accountability.
“Twelve hundred body cameras for 7,000 police officers is more than enough for every police officer who goes on patrol, on road block, on operation, on warrant exercise to have that body camera worn.
“I set up a standard operational procedure, standing orders to enforce it, that any officer who goes on anything – on patrol, a roadblock, an operation, issuing a warrant, vehicle, or foot patrol – you must sign for it, you turn it on, it is returned, and we check. We were checking to make sure that the body cameras were being utilised.”
Griffith said these cameras kept officers in line while simultaneously protecting officers from being wrongfully accused.
“I am asking the public, we must demand from the CoP and the Police Service Commission, who have continued to turn a blind eye to this. Why aren’t you using body cameras? There’s a mandatory standing order, standard operating procedure, that if officers don’t use it, they can be suspended immediately.
“Why is the Commissioner not enforcing it? Why are you not using the tasers that are there? Why are you not using the pepper spray? Why did you remove the online reporting? Why did you remove the police app? Why did you remove the GPS tracking from the police vehicles? Why do you remove the live feed cameras from the cars that will ensure we see what is happening?
“If all of this is done, I can assure the public that it will minimise and prevent excessive use of force by the police,” Griffith said.
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