PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Trinidad and Tobago’s Police Service Commission (PSC) acted within legal bounds when it suspended Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher earlier this year, the High Court has ruled. The decision was deemed lawful, necessary, and proportionate amid investigations into the acquisition of two sniper rifles.
Justice Christopher Sieuchand, in dismissing the legal challenge brought by Harewood-Christopher, affirmed the PSC’s authority to act in the public interest. The judge underscored that the January 31 suspension was not punitive but an administrative measure taken under urgent circumstances. Harewood-Christopher, whose term officially ends May 15, had questioned the legality of the move.
The court found that the PSC’s action—triggered by an ongoing probe into the Strategic Services Agency’s (SSA) firearm procurement—was neither irrational nor outside its remit. “The balance of convenience,” the judge said, “did not favour leaving the office vacant,” reinforcing the importance of continuity in the nation’s top law enforcement post.
However, the saga took a turn over the weekend when Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Roger Gaspard SC, announced there was no viable path to prosecute Harewood-Christopher for misbehaviour in public office or any related offence. Gaspard’s position prompted the PSC to lift the suspension.
Senior Counsel Deborah Peake, representing the PSC, confirmed that a letter informing Harewood-Christopher of the lifted restrictions would be dispatched imminently. The decision to reverse the suspension came after strong calls from the commissioner’s legal team, led by Senior Counsel Pamela Elder, for immediate reinstatement.
Harewood-Christopher had been arrested and detained for questioning on January 30 before being released without charges. Her legal team criticized the PSC’s process, alleging a lack of transparency and failure to provide details of the alleged misconduct.
While the High Court backed the PSC’s process, the ultimate clearance by the DPP has reset the course, positioning Harewood-Christopher to resume duties in the final days of her extended tenure.
Deputy Commissioner Junior Benjamin, who was approved by Parliament to act during the suspension, now awaits formal updates from the Commission as leadership transitions again.
