George: Erla presumed innocent while probe continues

Former member of the Police Service Commission (PolSC), Martin George, says the detention and subsequent release of the Commissioner of Police (CoP) Erla Harewood Christopher, suggest that the Police Service does not have any credible evidence of any wrongdoing on the part of the CoP.

Speaking on today’s edition of CNC3’s The Morning Brew show, George noted that the Police Commissioner has been suspended, as confirmed by an official statement issued by the Commission.

“It’s the circumstances of the arrest, the interrogation, and the allegations—they felt that in the interim, maybe it’s best that she [does] not continue her duties pending the final outcome of the investigation,” the former PolSC member observed.

He says, however, regardless of what people may think, she is still entitled to the presumption of innocence.

“We must be mindful of her rights,” George said.  “She does have the right to the presumption of innocence, as well as the right to due process, and all constitutionally guaranteed rights that any person is supposed to have in such a scenario.”

And George maintains the TTPS must act responsibly and swiftly.

“The TTPS cannot drag out this scenario forever and keep saying that [matters] are still under investigation,” he stated.  “In fact, [what’s happened] is quite appalling … You do not take such a step lightly unless you already have your credible, cogent, compelling and clear evidence of wrongdoing.”

According to the former PolSC member, “the administration of justice has been brought into disrepute” and the Police Service appears to be on “some sort of witch hunt or fishing expedition”, given the way entire matter was handled.

“The only result we should have seen,” he argues, “is that you have your evidence, and you had the go-ahead to lay a charge.  If you did not have that, it really begins to look like a charade and a farce if you are now releasing the person after all this drama and hubris in the public domain, and now you say, ‘Well the investigation is still ongoing’.” 

“It seems as if you did not know what you were doing in the first place and that is very disturbing and very damaging to the character and credibility of Mrs Harewood-Christopher,” he asserts.  “When that damage is done, that can’t be undone.”

Both CoP Erla Harewood-Christopher, and ex-Army Major and Strategic Services Agency (SSA) Director Roger Best, are the subjects of an investigation surrounding the procurement of two sniper rifles and accessories for the SSA.