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Main Points
Senator Sanjiv Boodhu has raised concerns about the Prime Minister’s role in the process surrounding appointments of officers to lead special operations within policing districts.
Speaking during the PNM town hall in St Joseph, Boodhu argued that operational policing should remain independent of political direction.
He said his concern centred on provisions allowing political consultation or objection in relation to officers selected for senior roles within the Special Operations structure.
Boodhu argued that because those officers could exercise significant authority within individual districts, the process used to select them deserves close scrutiny.
He linked the issue to the wider constitutional principle that the Police Service should operate independently in carrying out its law enforcement responsibilities.
Boodhu questioned whether senior police leadership supported the particular appointment mechanism contained in the legislation.
His comments represented the Opposition’s interpretation of the potential constitutional and operational implications of the provisions.
