A high-stakes meeting between Special Reserve Police (SRP) officers and Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) leadership dissolved into confrontation on December 3rd, culminating in a walkout by frustrated SRP members. The conflict emerged during discussions about the planned absorption of 800 SRP officers into the regular police force.
The tension ignited when an SRP officer offered a ‘special good morning’ to two specific senior officials, noting ‘I know the two of allyuh are honest men!’ This perceived implication of dishonesty among other commanders prompted an immediate backlash. A senior officer abruptly cut the microphone, declaring, ‘I’m not going to take this disrespect! If those two are honest people, then the rest of us are dishonest?’
Assistant Commissioner of Police Curt Simon intervened to restore order, emphasizing the structured nature of police recruitment protocols. ‘The TTPS is not a market or a parlour,’ Simon stated, explaining that while entry requirements had been relaxed for SRPs, certain criteria remained non-negotiable. The academic requirement of a Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) pass in English emerged as a particular point of contention.
Simon delivered the controversial assertion that sparked the walkout: ‘Nobody is owed anything! Even a civilian trying to get into the TTPS is not owed the right to walk into the TTPS.’ When challenged by an SRP officer, Simon reiterated his position: ‘You can doubt it, but you are not owed the right,’ prompting several officers to exit the meeting in protest.
In subsequent remarks to Newsday, Deputy Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin characterized the incident as an isolated occurrence driven by ‘heightened emotions.’ He explained that the absorption process, authorized by cabinet note, requires two years of service, a CSEC pass in English (reduced from the standard five passes), and successful completion of polygraph and psychometric testing.
Benjamin acknowledged that some officers ‘felt disenfranchised’ realizing they wouldn’t qualify, but emphasized that police executives remained committed to the absorption initiative. ‘This executive, we are fighting for our SRP officers,’ Benjamin insisted, noting his personal benefit from a similar process years earlier. He outlined ongoing efforts to improve SRP working conditions, including pension benefits, gratuity arrangements, and promotion pathways through collaboration with the TTPS Social Welfare Association.