Gillian Lucky, director of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA), wants to know why the police investigation into the car crash deaths of three Sea Lots residents last month was taking so long.
Lucky said she had written to acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams, asking the status of the investigation into the deaths of Sea Lots mother Haydee Paul, 28, and her daughters Akasha, eight, and Shakira, seven. They were hit by a vehicle being driven by a police constable on his way to work on February 24.
The officer has since been suspended, pending the outcome of the motor manslaughter investigation.
Lucky spoke to the media at a town meeting held by the PCA in Chase Village, Chaguanas, on Wednesday night.
Lucky said she learned a blood sample was taken from the suspect in the case.
"Therefore, I wrote to the Commissioner of Police, asking whether in fact a blood sample was taken and what is the result of the findings, based on the blood sample analysis. And we have asked for a status on the matter because I know that three people were killed and I know others were injured," said Lucky.
"Are they waiting on any particular evidence or any particular witness statements? Because we want to have some kind of timeline as to when a determination will be made with respect to that particular matter."
The PCA director said she had previous discussions with Williams over delays in investigations relating to police officers.
"The point made was that the police officers who are the subject of the investigations are also presumed innocent, and when they are suspended, they, too, would have that level of anxiety that they want the matter determined, one way or the other, as to whether they will be charged or not," said Lucky.
"What has to be done in Trinidad and Tobago, if the police are investigating these matters, they have to be investigated with a greater speed."
Regarding the PCA's investigations of an alleged New Flying Squad Investigations Unit (NFSIU) and other allegations of misconduct by police officers, Lucky said she was expecting "total compliance" from Williams.
"I have written to him saying that based on our function and our responsibilities, and there is a section in our act that says if the Commissioner of Police gets in his possession that speaks to police corruption, alleged police misconduct or criminal offences involving the police that the PCA is to be informed in writing immediately.
"I have just reminded him that section exists and, therefore, we expect total compliance on his part. It is premature to say what could come out of the investigation," said the PCA director.
With respect to the existence of the alleged NFSIU and its activities and operations, she said the PCA had begun enquiries and was gathering evidence.
"I have also written to the acting Commissioner of Police, asking for copies of the reports that, according to the Prime Minister, that a decision was taken by the National Security Council to send the report to the Acting Commissioner of Police for investigations," said Lucky.
Source:Trinidadexpress
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