We spent ‘countless hours’ at side of injured officer, TTPSSWA responds to Griffith


“Due to respect for the officer’s privacy and sensitivity to the nature of such an incident, the association took the initial stance of not publicising the immediate efforts, support and assistance rendered to the officer who is not a member of the association.

“[…] The executive would continue to advocate for the empowerment of all officers without the need to demoralise and ridicule their efforts…”

The following was submitted by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Social and Welfare Association (TTPSSWA) in response to a claim by Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith that it had been ‘noticeably absent’ when Police Constable Shane Smith—who lost his leg in an accident while on duty on 26 March 2020—needed them most:

Photo: (From left) Kevin Neptune, Police Constable Shane Smith and Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith.
(via TTPS)

Service before self continues to embody what the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Social and Welfare Association represents to its members.


In light of recent misguided information circulating in the public sphere concerning the unfortunate dismemberment of an officer during the execution of his duty, the Police Association would like to recognise and commend this officer’s spirit of determination and valiance in the course of such a life altering experience.

Due to respect for the officer’s privacy and sensitivity to the nature of such an incident, the association took the initial stance of not publicising the immediate efforts, support and assistance rendered to the officer who is not a member of the association.

The executive, having endured countless hours at the hospital on the night of the incident, would have sought to address the welfare of this officer and by extension his immediate family.

Despite the status of this officer as it relates to the association, it must be re-emphasised that in no way did this impede the efforts of the executive. Therefore it should be duly noted that the Police Association’s priority and responsibility is fuel by the devoted officers who continuously support the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Social and Welfare Association.

Likewise the executive would continue to advocate for the empowerment of all officers without the need to demoralise and ridicule their efforts. Ultimately, the organisation’s goal is to strengthen relations with all stakeholders for the benefit of officers who remain committed to serve by exercising the motto of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service through professionalism, respect, integrity, dignity and excellence (PRIDE).

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One comment

  1. A valiant effort at self-defence. One can only admire such valiance.

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