Residents Allege Campaign to Undermine No-Nonsense Matura Police Commander
A community member has come forward in defence of Matura Police Station Commander Sgt. (Ag.) Devon Hazel, alleging that recent accusations against police may form part of a broader campaign to discredit an officer known for taking a firm stance against crime in the district.
The claims were made during a phone conversation following public allegations of police misconduct and extortion. According to the resident, the allegations do not present the full picture. The caller claimed the individual at the centre of the complaints has allegedly been under active police surveillance as part of ongoing investigations into suspected criminal activity. The resident further alleged that officers have been carefully gathering intelligence and evidence over time rather than targeting anyone without cause.
The resident also suggested that making allegations against police before any enforcement action is taken could be an attempt to create a narrative of victimisation. According to the speaker, this could allow future police action to be portrayed as retaliation rather than the result of a criminal investigation.
Throughout the discussion, Sgt. Hazel was described as a disciplined, professional and no-nonsense officer who has earned the respect of many law-abiding residents through proactive policing. The speaker alleged that criminals often seek to undermine officers whose enforcement efforts disrupt illegal activities, suggesting that public attacks on the station commander may be linked to his policing approach. No independent evidence was presented to support those claims.
Publicly available information from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service also reflects Sgt. Hazel’s work within the Matura Police District. During a recent community meeting he reported that officers were solving approximately eight out of every ten serious crimes reported in the district. He credited intelligence-led policing, targeted operations and strong community partnerships for improving public safety and reducing several categories of crime.
The resident concluded by encouraging members of the public to consider all sides of the issue before forming opinions, noting that investigations should be allowed to proceed without interference. The conversation also suggested that an official police response would provide additional clarity on the allegations and the circumstances surrounding the matter.
Residents Allege Campaign to Undermine No-Nonsense Matura Police Commander
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