Senior Reporter
dareece.polo@guardian.co.tt
Police Complaints Authority (PCA) director David West is urging the Government to allocate resources to the judiciary to ensure it can operate at full staffing levels.
His comments came in response to Chief Justice Ivor Archie concerns about being under-resourced during the opening of the new law term yesterday. The Chief Justice also addressed the issue of inadequate salaries for employees.
West noted that as the wheels of justice turned slowly, the PCA has faced its own challenges due to delayed litigation stemming from issues within the judicial system.
“When we send in an investigation to the DPP, who then has to charge an officer, it takes a long time. So we do feel the backlash of justice delayed is justice denied and we would like to see a speedier system of justice.”
He praised the Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) Act, 2011 (amended), known as AJIPPA, which was proclaimed on December 12, 2023.
AJIPPA aims to transform the handling of indictable matters by eliminating preliminary inquiries at the district courts.
With indictable cases now proceeding directly to the High Court, the reform is expected to reduce delays and enhance case management within the courts.
Describing it as “a godsend,” West expressed hope that the act would lead to improved outcomes within six months to a year.
Meanwhile, West addressed the situation involving the police officer who is accused of pursuing a personal relationship with a complainant after she visited a police station to file a domestic violence report.
As memes and videos reenacting a confrontation between the officer and his wife have gone viral, West emphasised the need for a thorough police investigation into the matter.
“That is something that the Police Commissioner should look into. We have had reports of this, it’s not a one-off. We have looked into it and we have issued advice to the Commissioner of Police to deal or speak with the officer involved (in the past).”