The Police Complaints Authority (PCA) is investigating reports of sexual impropriety and misconduct in relation to extra duty at three Municipal Police stations.
In a media release on Monday, the PCA said an investigation into the conduct and activities of officers in three municipalities, Port-of-Spain, Siparia and Point Fortin was launched.
Asked what offences the PCA were investigating, deputy director Michelle Solomon-Baksh said she could not reveal details, but said the investigation was at a sensitive stage.
She thanked head of the Municipal Police ACP Surrendra Sagramsingh for his professionalism as well as the public for having faith in the PCA to investigate the matter.
Sagramsingh, when contacted, said he could not disclose what the PCA was investigating but reassured that if any wrongdoing is unearthed, those responsible will face the court to answer the charges.
But yesterday, sources within the Municipal Police said the PCA was investigating an “old matter” involving accusations that senior officers were engaging in sexual relationships with junior female officers for favours.
The investigation will also look at officers accepting fees for extra duties and not paying police officers who worked at the event, as well as soliciting monies from businesses for municipal police for private events, not authorised as extra duty.
The allegations were first raised in March last year and were reported to the police. Guardian Media was told that the Professional Standards Bureau investigated the matter, but nothing came out of it.
Asked for an update, former head of the PSB and now Deputy Commissioner of Police Suzette Martin said:
“No one came forward and supported the allegations or was willing to cooperate to commence any criminal investigations into a sex ring.”
A municipal police source said the matter was investigated internally before police got involved but no one came forward to substantiate the claims.