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For more than a decade, David West has occupied one of the most scrutinised positions in the country’s law-enforcement landscape. Now in his 12th year as Head of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA), West says the work remains demanding but necessary, particularly at a time when police-involved shootings and public concern about accountability continue to rise.
“It’s gone by really quickly,” West reflected. “It’s something I feel I still have something to contribute, so I’m still here working.”
The PCA is an independent civilian oversight body established by statute, with a specific remit defined by law. According to West, this remit centres on the investigation of criminal conduct by police officers, serious police misconduct, and police corruption.
“Our Act says we have jurisdiction to inquire into criminal matters involving police officers, serious police misconduct, which is defined in the Police Service Regulations, and police corruption,” he explained.
Common types of complaints
West outlined that the Authority receives a wide range of complaints from members of the public, but these fall within clearly defined legal categories. Among the most serious are criminal matters involving police officers, including fatal police shootings, firearms offences, and misbehaviour in public office.
Within the category of serious police misconduct, the PCA also deals with complaints such as assault, discreditable conduct and other breaches of professional standards that directly affect citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.
“These are matters that go to the heart of public trust in policing,” West noted, adding that the PCA is legally bound to operate strictly within its statutory remit when addressing such complaints.
Police-involved shootings and public confidence
In recent years, police-related fatalities have featured prominently in the national conversation, with cases such as the recent fatal shooting of Joshua Samaroo intensifying public scrutiny. West acknowledged that such incidents inevitably affect public confidence, but stressed that clear procedures guide the PCA’s response.
“When we get information of a police-involved shooting, whether from the media or the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, we do a preliminary investigation,” he said.
Crucially, West emphasised the Authority’s independence. “I want the viewers to know that we are an independent civilian oversight body. We have statute or legislation that governs our working, and we have to work within that legislation.”
The PCA does not prosecute cases. Instead, where criminal conduct is suspected, matters are referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), while disciplinary issues are referred to the Commissioner of Police (CoP).
Working with the DPP and the Police Service
West described a long-standing professional relationship with the DPP, noting that collaboration is essential to ensuring thorough investigations. “When we have a police-involved shooting or any matter of substance, we go to him with our file and say, ‘This is what we have. What else do we need?’”
Ultimately, however, the responsibility for laying charges rests with the police. “The PCA doesn’t lay charges. The police lay charges,” West said.
To further clarify roles and expectations, the PCA is currently working towards a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS). This, West said, is intended to improve cooperation and reduce delays in accessing critical information from key stakeholders.
Resources and capacity
Staffing at the PCA has increased from approximately 45 employees to 75, with expansion in investigative and legal departments. While acknowledging that additional resources would always be beneficial, West was clear that the Authority continues to function effectively.
“Yes, we could always do with more resources,” he said, “but I would never say we are under-resourced. We are doing our best.”
As the interview concluded, West highlighted the importance of public institutions communicating openly with citizens.
“It’s very good that public bodies let the public know what is going on,” he said. “So, there’s nothing to hide, and people understand what is happening.”
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