The Police Service Commission is an independent body established in accordance with Section 122 of the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Section 123 (1) of the Constitution gives the Police Service Commission the power to:-
(a) appoint persons to hold or act in the office of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Police;
(b) make appointments on promotion and to confirm appointments ;
(c) remove from office and exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in the offices specified in paragraph (a);
(d) monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of the discharge of their functions;
(e) prepare an annual performance appraisal report in such form as may be prescribed by the Police Service Commission respecting and for the information of the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner of Police; and
(f) hear and determine appeals from decisions of the Commissioner of Police, or of any person to whom the powers of the Commissioner of Police have been delegated, in relation to appointments on promotions or as a result of disciplinary proceedings brought against a police officer appointed by the Commissioner of Police.
In addition, section 123 (6) provides for the purpose of subsection 1 (d) above -
(a) the Commissioner of Police shall, every six months, submit a report in writing to the Police Service Commission on the management of the Police Service; and
(b) the Police Service Commission shall have the power to call on the Commissioner of Police to produce documents pertaining to financial, legal and personnel matters in relation to the Police Service.
The role and mandate of the Commission may involve some jurisdictional overlap within the wider responsibilities of governance, therefore, through appropriate consultation, the Commission conducts its affairs within the limit of its constitutional mandate.
In executing its mandate the Commission is required
- to select and appoint the Commissioner of Police and the Deputy Commissioner of Police in accordance with Legal Notice No. 218 of 2015 and Legal Notice No. 219 of 2015.
- submit to the President a list of names of the persons nominated for appointment to the offices of Commissioner of Police and the Deputy Commissioner of Police.
- appoint the Commissioner of Police and the Deputy Commissioner of Police after the House of Representatives approves the President’s notification.
- to remove from office and exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in the offices of Commissioner of Police and the Deputy Commissioner of Police.
- to regularly and consistently monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of the functions of the Commissioner of Police and the Deputy Commissioner of Police.
- to exercise an appellate function over the decisions of the Commissioner of Police or his delegate.
- to terminate the services of the Commissioner of Police and the Deputy Commissioner of Police.
- to make Regulations to regulate its own procedure.
The Police Service Commission of Trinidad and Tobago consists of a Chairman and four other members.
Under the provisions of the Constitution, the President after consultation with the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition, nominates persons who are qualified and experienced in the disciplines of law, finance, sociology or management, to be appointed as members of the Police Service Commission.
Nomination for appointment to the Commission is subject to affirmative resolution of the House of Representatives. Following approval by the House of Representatives, the President makes appointments to the Police Service Commission and appoints a Chairman from among its members.
The current members of the Commission are:
Ms. Judith Jones - Chairman
Ms. Maxine Attong - Member
Mr. Ian Kevin Ramdhanie - Member
Ms. Maxine King - Member
Mr. Rajiv Persad - Member
Vision
To become a highly innovative and vigilant oversight agency, contributing to the safety and security of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.
Mission
To execute our oversight function of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service with fairness, accountability and desired outcomes in keeping with our constitutional mandate.
Core Values
Efficiency - we adopt a pro-active, solutions based and results oriented approach that allows us to remain open and have contextual flexibility, while acting with the requisite urgency, addressing each situation in a professional, courteous and purposeful manner.
Transparency - we adhere to protocol and procedure with accurate documentation and record keeping. We monitor and evaluate, using feedback for continuous assessment and the revision of our policies and procedures. We are accountable for and able to withstand scrutiny of our processes and end products.
Collaboration - to achieve the overall objectives of the Commission, we think critically and communicate effectively. We observe, listen, consult and share information, operating as a team. We give and accept constructive criticism.
