Marvin Gonzales on the Police Commission Appointment Process amid Parliamentary Dispute

Port of Spain – In a live interview on I-95.5 FM’s “Center Five at Five,” former Minister of National Security and current People’s National Movement chairman, Mr. Marvin Gonzales, MP, addressed concerns surrounding the appointment of an acting Commissioner of Police during a recent emergency.

The host welcomed Gonzales and noted that the issue under discussion was the Commission of Police facing an emergency situation. Gonzales explained that he had “no issue with the Commissioner having an emergency,” but emphasized the importance of the process for installing an acting Commissioner. He recalled that, when the PNM was in government, a note is sent by the Police Service Commission to the President, recommending which Deputy Commissioner should act as Commissioner. The host asked Gonzales to confirm a past instance where such a recommendation was made and sent to the House for debate.

The discussion moved to the 2023-2024 parliamentary episode in which the opposition United National Congress (UNC) reportedly “did not agree that the deputy commissioner should act.” Gonzales confirmed that there was a period when no commissioner or designated deputy was in place, forcing the incumbent commissioner to remain on duty. He clarified that the Police Service Commissioner nominated a deputy, forwarded the nomination to the President, who then sent a constitutional notification to Parliament. That notification was debated, and its passage required a simple majority.

Gonzales concluded that the procedural framework allows for parliamentary scrutiny of any acting-commissioner appointment, irrespective of the governing party at the time. He stressed that adherence to this process is essential to avoid “red tape” and ensure continuity in police leadership during emergencies.

The interview underscored ongoing tensions between the governing coalition and the opposition over police administration, highlighting the need for transparent, constitutionally-mandated procedures whenever the Police Service Commission must recommend an acting Commissioner.