Commissioner of Police (Ag) Mc Donald Jacob has received approval to pay all retired police officers an interim pension immediately upon their retirement.
CoP Ag Jacob said, “the old systems frustrated police officers over the years and in keeping with the Strategic Plan, the welfare of officers is a top priority. He further stated that he is determined to ensure officers have early access to their retirement benefits.
The Cabinet of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago has accepted the recommendations of the Minister of National Security for the Amendment of the Police Service Regulations to allow for the Payment of an Interim Pension of $3,500 to Officers who retire compulsorily from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS). This approval is in keeping with the 2018 policy which was espoused for public officers to access the interim pension. The Cabinet note now allows police officers to access this provision.
The Acting CoP thanked the Minister of National Security, the Honourable Fitzgerald Hinds for his assistance in addressing the matter, which was forwarded from the Office of the Commissioner in June 2022. Mr. Jacob also expressed thanks to the Human Resource Branch, Finance Branch and Legal Unit for the pivotal roles they played in bringing the matter to fruition.
Meanwhile, the Acting Commissioner has given instructions for the required internal preparation to ensure officers receive this interim payment with effect from October 2022.
Mr. Jacob said he is aware all officers look forward to retirement and the remuneration and benefits accrued over time, after serving our country with P.R.I.D.E. He agrees the interim pension payment of $3,500 to officers who have retired compulsorily is a positive move. He notes this relief is only one step in the right direction and commits to ensuring the systems are enhanced to improve processing of retirement benefits and will significantly reduce the waiting time for retired officers.
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