Officers shine a light for TTPS

Thousands of members of the Catholic and Christian faiths flocked to various communities across Trinidad and Tobago yesterday, during the traditional Stations of the Cross observances. The Stations of the Cross is a popular Catholic devotion that commemorates the Passion and death of Jesus Christ and features 14 specific events (stations), beginning with His condemnation by Pontius Pilate and ending with His burial in the tomb.

The faithful believe that they are spiritually accompanying Jesus Christ on His journey to Calvary via this activity, which recreates His redemptive suffering for all of humankind. The 40-day period leading to this final weekend of devotion is also used as a time of fasting, forgiveness, reflection, renewal and birth.

However, amidst this activity yesterday, two police officers found a way to shine a light on the way forward for the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), as it continues on its so far unaccomplished goal of making this country safe from the scourge of criminal activity.

During the Stations of the Cross observances on Calvary Hill in east Port-of-Spain, PC Bullen and Cpl Boucaud, of the Inter-Agency Task Force, assisted parishioners in carrying the cross for part of its journey along the 14 stations. The officers were to ensure nothing untoward occurred but in that moment, also understood the importance of truly fulfilling their motto of protecting and serving communities with pride. The act of carrying the cross would certainly have endeared the officers to those parishioners involved in the activity.

Juxtapose this with recent incidents involving the TTPS.

In one instance, Joshua Samaroo was killed while his common-law wife Kaia Sealy was injured as officers opened fire on their vehicle following a high-speed chase from Maloney to St Augustine on January 20. The police initially reported that Samaroo was shot after firing at them but video evidence recorded a contradicting story. Family and friends of the two have been unhappy with Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro’s refusal to suspend the officers involved while the case is investigated and the time it is taking to be completed. In this instance, those closest to the victims have been staging protests to ensure it is kept in the news until an outcome is reached.

And earlier this week, Dundonald Hill, St James residents were thrown into mourning after Joseph Sutton and his baby son Jayden were murdered at their home. During a visit by Guardian Media to the community on Thursday, some residents said they will not share any information they may have with the police because of rogue elements within the TTPS who facilitate criminal activity and put them in danger. This is also borne out by the fact that two police officers are currently detained under State of Emergency orders for links to gangs, not to mention a series of recent incidents in which officers have been charged with misconduct in office.

Needless to say, the TTPS continues to have as its major cross to bear, the lack of public trust in all of its officers to protect and serve without prejudice. If Commissioner Guevarro is to pull the service back to being a respected pillar of society, therefore, he must get the majority of officers serving with integrity – the rest will take care of itself. In this time of reflection and healing, then, the officers Bullen and Boucaud’s conduct may be a shining light for the TTPS as it seeks to turn the tide on the criminal element.