High Court Upholds Medical Retirement of Police Officer After Decade-Long Absence

The medical retirement of former police corporal Dufferin Campbell, who had been absent from duty for over a decade due to an on-duty accident, has been upheld by the High Court in Port of Spain, Trinidad. This ruling came after the court dismissed Campbell’s legal challenge against his retirement. Campbell sustained serious injuries from a road accident while on duty in 2014, rendering him unable to return to active service.

In a 2022 assessment, the Medical Board found Campbell to have a 30% partial permanent disability, which led to the basis of his medical retirement. The court concluded that the decision taken by Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher was lawful and grounded in the Medical Board’s findings. Justice Frank Seepersad clarified that Campbell’s consent was not a prerequisite for initiating the retirement process under the Police Service Regulations.

Campbell contended that his retirement was unlawful and that due process was not followed. However, the court found no evidence of arbitrary, irrational, or unfair conduct by the Commissioner’s Office. Justice Seepersad noted the strain on public service operations and state resources due to prolonged absences caused by extended sick leave.

In conclusion, the court ruled that Campbell’s claim lacked merit and ordered him to pay the legal costs. Campbell was represented by Kenneth Thompson, while the Commissioner’s Office was represented by Natoya Moore-Belmar, Chelvi Ramkissoon, Savitri Maharaj, and Chantal Cunningham.

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