The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) notes with concern media reports suggestive of a growing controversy between the Commissioner of Police (Ag) and the Honourable Chief Justice which stems from the recent request by members of the Judiciary Security Unit stationed at the Arima Magistrate Court that on entering the Court, all members of the public, including police officers, must submit to security checks by hand held scanners. The use of hand scanners results from the recent malfunctioning of the machine scanner at that location.

LATT notes that in 2002 Cabinet agreed to the establishment of the Security Plan for the Judiciary and the setting up of a Judiciary Security Unit under the direction and control of the judiciary which is headed by the Chief Justice. As such in his undoubted administrative role, the Chief Justice is charged with the responsibility to exercise direction and control of security arrangements regulating the entry of the public to the Courts of this country.

In the interest of good administration and sustained public confidence, LATT calls upon the Commissioner of Police and the Honourable Chief Justice to avoid public confrontation on this issue and to speedily resolve same commensurate with their mutual responsibility to the public for its safety and protection in a manner that maintains the institutional independence of the judiciary and role of the Police Service.

Mr. Reginald Armour SC

President of Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago