ONE of Prime Minister’s reportedly “blue-eyed” police officers, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) James Philbert, has taken charge of the elite intelligence-gathering Special Branch.

He has replaced ACP Wellington Virgil, who went on pre-retirement leave two weeks ago.

Virgil, was the chief police investigator in the attempt to pervert the course of justice case against Chief Justice Sat Sharma.

Government is considering offering him a contract as Special Adviser to National Security Minister Martin Joseph.

Philbert, is tipped to fill the post of third Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), which was created by government.

On May 12 the Police Service Commission confirmed the additional third DCP post.

Some policemen said the Special Branch, which is described as a “spy” unit, is used to gather information on subversive elements in the society and also carry out guard duties (President and Prime Minister).

The government wants to have cops they can trust and officers are handpicked to join the unit, which is also accused of phone-tapping and “spying” on political opponents, informed sources said.

ACP JAMES
PHILBERT

DCP WINSTON
COOPER

OSWYN ALLARD

Sources in the Police Service said that the holder of the additional DCP post must have a law degree. Philbert is the only officer in the executive who holds a Law Education Certificate (LEC) which qualifies him for that third rank.

Previously, there were only two DCPs, and nine ACPs.

Philbert was in charge of Crime and Intelligence, which will now fall under ACP Clive “Clothes” Reyes, until other changes are made at the top next week following the retirement of ACP Nazmul Hosein, who was acting DCP, (while DCP Glen Roach went on vacation).

Roach will return to his post later this week and will take Commissioner Trevor Paul’s chair as the police chief is reportedly going on vacation.

Acting DCP, Winston Cooper on Wednesday moved over to ACP Oswyn Allard’s Office at the Police Administration Building, Sackville Street, Port of Spain.

Allard was in charge of Crime and Operations.

He was moved out of the way by the Ministry of National Security and sent on a six-month course in Washington, USA. However, when Allard returns he would be going on pre-retirement leave.

Cooper recently got a “ten days” to act as Commissioner when Paul went abroad for a few days. Roach, who was supposed to act as Police Commissioner was on vacation.

Sources say there are a number of changes coming soon in the hierarchy of the Police Service.