CoP responds to IzzSo Media’s rape survivor’s story

Commissioner of Police, Gary Griffith, responds to IzzSo Media’s article on a rape victim’s experience and what was previously reported by the Trinidad Express –

Commissioner Griffith said he takes note of the report and interview done by news agency IzzSo Media/Power 102.1fm, which he said is in accordance with the facts of what occurred when a rape victim made a report to the Arima Police Station in January.

“The CoP says it is unfortunate that the reporter from the newspaper did not contact the TTPS to get the facts before publishing the story on Sunday. According to the victim, the newspaper reporter changed what she actually said. It was reported that the Police dismissed her report. Commissioner Griffith says arising out of that report, one Ameer Karim was charged with kidnapping and robbery with violence on February 8th and the matter was postponed to March 5th. The search was on for one Joel Balcon for rape, but he was not located. The CoP says it is not his intention to dwell on the newspaper interview, but to put to rest any misinformation in the public domain on this matter. He says the headline in the newspaper did little to cause women to feel confident in reporting such matters to the Police.

He points out that the victim and her family have been through so much as a result of the incident and says it was a brave thing by the victim to speak out.

The CoP says that as a result of the wrong information published in the newspaper, certain persons used the opportunity to chastise the TTPS and place the organisation in a bad light. He says there is always another side of a story and advises the public before they form an opinion, they should really hear both sides.

The same thing, he added, happened with the recent deaths of two persons in police custody. He says the matter is under investigation by various arms of the TTPS and the Police Complaints Authority (PCA). He says, “Let those responsible to carry out their investigations and await their reports. At a time when the public is tense over recent events, it would be wise not to reach a judgment without all the facts.”

The CoP says with the establishment of the Gender-based Violence Unit one year ago and with the soon to be established Special Victims Unit, the TTPS takes these reports very seriously. He says there are specially-trained police officers assigned to all Police Divisions to respond to such reports.”