Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Junior Benjamin says the confirmation of a Commissioner of Police is still ongoing.
Since the arrest and then release of Erla Harewood-Christopher, confirmation of the Top Cop remains a key issue as the TTPS awaits further developments in the leadership transition.
The position is set to be confirmed by Wednesday by Parliament.
DCP Benjamin said the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service will continue to function.
“The issue with the Commissioner of Police, I think, has been addressed by the Police Service Commission, and therefore, we stand in terms of awaiting, again, the process to ensure who would be the next Acting Commissioner of Police at this time.”
Several questions were posed to DCP Benjamin, including who gave the instructions to arrest Mrs. Harewood-Christopher and whether she will be reinstated.
DCP Benjamin maintained that the matter is under investigation and declined to provide further detail.
When pressed on who authorised the arrest, DCP Benjamin stated that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Investigations (DCP INI) Suzette Martin.
“I think probably you can refer to the DCP INI again for any further questions on this matter, but for now we simply are saying the process and the investigation is ongoing.”
He also addressed concerns surrounding a viral video of him delivering a sermon while wearing a bulletproof vest. DCP Benjamin clarified that the video, recorded on August 4th, 2024, depicted a sermon on “battle readiness” at his church. He said it was an illustration of being prepared, both spiritually and physically, and added that wearing a bulletproof vest while preaching is not a regular practice.
He emphasised that the sermon was meant to inspire his congregation, reinforcing messages of faith, resilience, and self-affirmation.
Explaining his statement about wanting to become Commissioner of Police, DCP Benjamin said he believes in the power of positive affirmations. He said he uses them to stay motivated, especially during challenging times.
“I, as an individual, would find myself when I’m down encouraging myself with these affirmations. One of those affirmations is that I will not die before my time. That I will be a Commissioner of Police, that I will be a very good Commissioner of Police and I would also say that, hello, I will be a leader of leaders. These are affirmations that have helped me to be where I am today and even as I look into the windscreen of my future, that I believe it is important for us to dream the impossible dream.”
DCP Benjamin also expressed uncertainty about the intent behind the video’s circulation but reaffirmed that his message was one of hope and encouragement.