WHILE the approval of Deputy Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin to the role of acting Commissioner of Police (CoP) is being met warmly in some circles, criminologist Daurius Figueira is warning that this may not be the end of the instability being witnessed in the T&T Police Service (TTPS).
Speaking with the Express yesterday shortly after Parliament approved a Government motion which will see Benjamin as this country’s acting CoP, and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Curt Simon as acting DCP on February 5, Figueira warned that this may not be the victory that many think it is.
“Ms (Erla Harewood-Christopher) still has a matter before the courts regarding her appointment. And depending on how that is ruled, it may have a further legal blowback which may render the TTPS unstable. Because knowing the parties involved, it honestly would not surprise me if it reached as high as the Privy Council. And who knows what can happen if the final court of appeal, in interpreting the regulations, may find that the act to move a sitting commissioner aside, was illegal,” he said.
He continued: “What I do know is all of this is playing out in the eyes of the public and it is impacting the morale of the TTPS and impacting the public’s perception of the organisation, which was already not favourable in many quarters. And I have nothing against Mr Benjamin, let me be clear. But he is being brought in at a most tenuous and unpredictable time, where there may still be fallouts as a result of what is still ongoing.”
He said that the true test of the events of the last few days will only be seen once the state of emergency (SoE), which was declared on December 30, is ended.
“We want to say the TTPS is operating optimally, despite the circumstances, and that serious crime is down by some 50%, but we must also remember that we are in a SoE where persons are being detained without all the necessary evidence needed to hold them. Because the police have the power to do so. And one cannot argue that on paper, statistically, this action is bearing fruit. Even amidst all that is going on. But the true test of this whole affair comes after the SoE is called off, and many of those same persons are released if enough evidence is not found to charge them, will the game of death recommence? Will we see a spike in violence? And will the affairs of the TTPS and the events of the last week which point to apparent instability, be sorted and will they be able to treat with this, or will the events impact the operations of the officers? At this point, time alone will tell,” Figueira said.
Rebuild public trust
Regional security consultant Garvin Heerah welcomed Benjamin to the role of acting Commissioner, saying that this was a critical decision at an important time given recent events, that may define national security.
“The confirmation of DCP Junior Benjamin as the acting Commissioner of Police by the Cabinet of Trinidad and Tobago is a critical decision at a defining moment for national security. His leadership will be measured not just by his rank, but by his ability to navigate the complexities of policing, crime reduction, and organisational transformation,” he said.
He added: “Acting CoP Benjamin brings to the table three key pillars of effective leadership: his qualifications and experience, his ability to review and implement policies and strategies, and most importantly, his capacity and character to lead in a time of crisis. These attributes must now translate into decisive action, where mission priorities take precedence over political distractions. The focus must be on rebuilding public trust, ensuring business continuity, and setting a clear strategic direction for the TTPS.”
Heerah stressed that Benhamin’s leadership must be rooted in pragmatism and “understanding that progress does not require revisiting the past, but rather learning from it.
“He must foster unity within the TTPS, recognising the value of his officers and harnessing their collective expertise. Breaking down institutional barriers and building bridges within the organisation and with the public will be essential for moving forward. My advice to Ag. CoP Benjamin is clear: Surround yourself with the right team, insulate yourself from distractions, and execute with precision. This is not a moment for hesitation—it is a time for strong, focused leadership. The task ahead is formidable, but with the right strategy, discipline, and commitment, the TTPS can restore stability and confidence in law enforcement,” he added.
Criminologist Keron King, while steering clear of the events unfolding within the TTPS, said the recent events may have damaged the relationship between the police and the public.
“The trust between the public and the police is a delicate thing. It is difficult to build and can be lost at a moment’s notice. Observing the media reports on this issue should worry all citizens because it can affect the public’s perception of the police as a fair institution,” he said.
He continued: Two crucial aspects of the police-community relationship are police legitimacy and procedural justice. These refer to the extent to which people accept police authority and believe officers are fair and just in their operations. And whilst it is still too early to gauge how the public would react as a result of these events, as a criminologist I do worry that the handling of this investigation might have further damaged the already battered relationship that the police had with the public. It is as one of my students said to me ‘If they could do the Commissioner that when what is left for me?’”
