2 weeks Ago By Jarrel De Matas
The arrest and detention of Commissioner of Police (CoP) Erla Harewood-Christopher last Thursday amid an investigation into the importation of sniper rifles by the Strategic Services Agency (SSA) marks the crowning failure in her tenure. This incident not only tarnishes the reputation of the nation’s highest-ranking police official, but also underscores systemic flaws in the selection process for this pivotal role. While I have long been critical of the ascendancy of Harewood-Christopher to the position of CoP, the place of the Police Service Commission (PSC), the body responsible for selecting the CoP, has to shoulder significant blame.
From day one, Harewood-Christopher’s default position that we need to pray for crime to stop underscored her incompetence, unsuitability and inefficiency. Harewood-Christopher might have well prayed for the job, but it was ultimately the decision of the PolSC to give her that job. For that reason alone, her failure is a direct reflection of theirs.
In 2021, acting Senior Superintendent Anand Ramesar legally challenged the PolSC’s selection process after failing to advance to the interview stage for the commissioner’s post. Last week, president of the Police Service Social and Welfare Association ASP Gideon Dickson was granted permission to legally challenge the PolSC regarding the CoP selection process. Dickson was granted leave to advance his lawsuit, in which he alleges he was unlawfully deemed ineligible for consideration for the role of CoP because the PolSC found his Master’s degree did not meet the relevance criteria.
The lawsuit highlighted concerns about transparency and meritocracy. Apart from Dickson’s personal allegations, one of the most glaring issues with the selection process is the persistent delays in appointing a substantive CoP. For years, the PolSC has struggled to complete this task in a timely and transparent manner.
Most recently there was the controversial appointment of Gary Griffith, who served as CoP from 2018 to 2021. Griffith’s tenure ended in chaos when he was suspended amid an investigation into the issuance of firearm user’s licences. His attempts to return to the post led to a prolonged legal and political battle that further destabilised the police force.
After Griffith’s suspension, the PolSC was left in disarray, with its chairman and several members resigning in the wake of leaked information regarding the appointment process. This resulted in an extended period without a substantive CoP, leaving the police force effectively leaderless during a time of escalating crime. The appointment of Fitzgerald Hinds to National Security Minister didn’t help the situation, but even his incompetence was eclipsed by the broken PolSC.
When Harewood-Christopher was appointed, her inability to oversee an effective crime-fighting strategy was marked by her mantra that the people should pray for criminal activity to stop. She was seen as an uninspiring choice, with concerns that her leadership style lacked the decisiveness needed to tackle our rampant crime crisis. Her tenure overlapped with record-breaking homicide rates, public distrust, and now, the ultimate disgrace—her own arrest.
To prevent further failures, the CoP selection process must be urgently reformed. This should include a fully transparent and independent PolSC that cannot be easily influenced by political leaders. The selection of Harewood-Christopher was seen as politically motivated and lacking transparency, leading to concerns about her ability to lead without political interference.
Transparency in the selection process can be enhanced through public vetting, allowing for community input and scrutiny. A stricter, merit-based selection criteria is needed to evaluate candidates based on crime-fighting experience, leadership skills, and ethical track records. From day one, Harewood-Christopher’s appointment was scrutinised.
After her first year in the post, her inability to guide the TTPS anywhere near its targets should have been the major red flag against what would be the renewal of her contract. Following her arrest, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley suggested that the Government would step in if needed. This level of oversight is indicative of the speculations around political interference that should never exist in matters related to the functioning of the TTPS, CoP selection or otherwise.
Finally, a clearly defined, legally protected timeline is required for the selection process to prevent extended leadership vacancies. Last year, the House of Representatives debated nominees for the PolSC, highlighting the protracted nature of the selection process. Establishing a clear timeline would prevent such delays and ensure continuous leadership.
Former PolSC member Courtney McNish emphasised the need to revisit the legislative framework governing the PolSC. He remarked, “There is always need to revisit legislation,” underscoring the necessity for reforms in oversight and selection procedures. The arrest of Erla Harewood-Christopher is a national embarrassment, but it should also serve as a wake-up call.
We cannot afford another failed CoP. Until the selection process is reformed, the country will remain stuck in a cycle of poor leadership, rising crime, and dwindling public trust. The arrest of Harewood-Christopher serves as a stark reminder of the consequences stemming from a compromised selection process.
It is imperative that the PolSC undertakes a comprehensive review of its appointment procedures, ensuring that future candidates are selected based on stringent criteria that prioritise integrity, competence, and demonstrated ability to effectively address an out-of-control crime situation. • Dr De Matas is an assistant professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch..
