The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service has launched an investigation into a social media video in which a man who said he was a police officer said threats were made against himself and others to drop a case in court.In a video circulating on social media a male voice is heard while a brown envelope being examined by a pair of gloved hands is shown.The man said the envelope had been dropped off at his home yesterday morning.
ONLINE: The envelope and rounds of ammunition in the video being circulated online.
Words written on top the envelope said: “Last warning for you (and two named people). Drop the court matter against the govt. Last night you get away. Next time is shots.”In the video, the man said he was a police officer and was out over the weekend with his family when he began receiving threatening text messages to his phone.He said those threatening him were aware that he had a family, adding that they tried to run him off the road while he was out with his wife and child.Coming to the end of the video he empties out the contents of the envelope, and three 5.56 calibre bullets fall out.He said when he made a report to the police station which is close to where he lives he was told by a woman police officer there was no officer available to visit his home to take a report as they were undergoing a shift change.“So basically she told me that you have to wait until the shift change is over,” he said.‘Attack on therule of law’In a news release from the T&T Police Service yesterday, DCP Suzette Martin said the TTPS “is aware of a social media post featuring a male voice, purportedly that of a police officer, reporting that he has received personal threats in relation to a matter currently engaging the attention of the courts. The post further alleges that an envelope containing what appears to be three rounds of ammunition was discovered.” She confirmed that an investigation had started and that all reports of threats, intimidation or attempts to interfere with the administration of justice are treated seriously and urgently.“A threat directed at a police officer who is lawfully carrying out his or her duties is not merely a threat against an individual officer. Such actions may constitute an attack on the administration of justice, the rule of law, and the institutions responsible for maintaining public safety and order,” said Martin.She added that they will take all reasonable and necessary measures to safeguard the affected officer, his family, and the integrity of the law enforcement and judicial processes.“The TTPS remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that officers can perform their lawful duties free from intimidation, coercion, or fear, and that any person found responsible for criminal acts of this nature will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” she said.
