POLICE CRACKDOWN ON GRIFFITH ALLIES

SEVERAL senior operatives of the Police Service are under active investigation with respect to the alleged gun licence racket. 

The police have interrogated at least three officials of the service, one of whom is a well-placed female officer who does secretarial duties. 

Police searches are likely to take place as a part of the crackdown, with investigators looking for certain documents and other forms of evidence. 

The high-level enquiry could lead to the laying of charges for alleged misconduct and malfeasance, well-positioned sources said. 

The investigations follow a report undertaken by retired senior officials of the protective services into the granting of gun licences and the sale and delivery of associated equipment and services. 

The entire matter is said to be a precursor to the planned removal of incumbent Gary Griffith as Commissioner of Police. 

The operatives under investigation are described as close working allies of Griffith. 

The detailed report is in the hands of Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, as head of the National Security Council, a sub-committee of Cabinet. 

The report has also alleged the granting of jobs and issuance of service contracts without public procurement measures. 

The authorities have been building national momentum against Griffith through leakage of explosive sections of the report to government-friendly journalists at a daily newspaper. 

The Government has lost faith in Griffith, the sources said, and would not back him for a second three-year term. 

The media exposes are being justified on the grounds that Griffith enjoys high national popularity rating. 

Sources said more startling aspects of the report would be unveiled soon. 

Opposition Member of Parliament Dr. Roodal Moonilal has criticised the Government for giving the members of the top-level enquiry access to confidential files of applicants for gun licences. 

Moonilal said any investigations into the commissioner should be conducted by the Police Services Commission or Police Complaints Authority. 

It is expected that Parliament would deliberate on the appointment of a new commissioner after debate on the national budget. 

The budget would be presented on October 4. 

Debate in the House and Representatives and Senate typically lasts three weeks. 

Griffith is currently on vacation, with Deputy Commissioner McDonald Jacob sitting in his chair. 

Jacob is 59 years old.