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alexk
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Although he received his letter of appointment as Commissioner of Police (CoP) last Friday from the Police Service Commission (PSC), Gary Griffith is yet to pick up official duties as top cop.
In a press release issued yesterday, the PSC announced Griffith as the new CoP of the T&T Police Service (TTPS) who will be responsible for directing all strategic activities of the service to promote and achieve higher levels of safety and security for the nation.
The PSC said the appointment of Griffith was in keeping with its mandate to appoint a person/people to hold or act in the Office of Commissioner or deputy CoP.
Griffith received his letter of appointment from PSC’s chairman Bliss Seepersad.
It also noted that finalisation of the terms and conditions of Griffith’s contract resided with the National Security Ministry.
In response to a WhatsApp message yesterday, Griffith, who is out of the country, confirmed that he had not taken up office as CoP just yet.
“Sorry. I am still not in office even though the appointment has been given. Awaiting this by the Ministry of National Security. Until then, there is an acting CoP who sits in the chair so it would not be appropriate of me to discuss such matters.”
There was no response to questions forwarded to Griffith as to when he is expected to take up duties as CoP and hammer out his contractual agreement with the ministry.
In a telephone interview with the Guardian Media, Griffith said his thoughts were irrelevant when asked about Stuart Young’s appointment as National Security Minister.
“That is a Government policy and the role and function of the Commissioner of Police is to work with whoever is appointed as Minister of National Security and I will do so,” he said.
Stating that the TTPS falls under Young’s ministry, Griffith said he intends to operate as a professional, serve with pride and adhered to the policies directed by Young.
“As the Commissioner of Police my job is to look at the policies that will be provided by the minister and or the National Security Council to implement those policies,” he added.