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SOCU’s performance is commendable

Sep 07, 2015 Letters

Dear Editor,
In his quiet unassuming way Lt. Col (ret’d) Sydney James, the Head of Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) has always impressed me with his attention to detail, bolstered by a steadfast desire to get the job done. This is not about a testimonial for Sydney, but is an appreciation for the gains made by SOCU in recent times which speak volumes about professionalism and commitment.
You might ask what is there to applaud in SOCU’s performance under James’ short stewardship and I would unhesitatingly respond “astute leadership.”  Just look at what has been unearthed in one year and we will understand how well embedded are the tentacles of organised crime in this country and the tremendous work that has gone into those investigations.
Editor, unlearned as I am, I would like to offer two suggestions to avoid compromising the work of the unit.  In my humble view all prospective members should be required to undergo polygraph testing to determine among other things whether they are in – what is sometimes called ‘disclosable associations’, and whether they have knowingly benefitted from the proceeds of a criminal enterprise.
The point being made here is that there is no limit to what organised crime will do in their quest to undermine the investigative integrity of the unit. Another thing is I believe that the less offices with access to the type of sensitive information that SOCU handles, the better for confidentiality and security of operations.
A reading of GHK Lall’s contributions would strongly suggest that the integrity of certain agencies is compromised, and they would do all in their power to be obstructionist using all the procedural delays at their disposal. It therefore makes absolutely no sense to blindly enter into, or remain in any unlimited information sharing arrangement that is rife with opportunities for leaks.
Incidentally, I have known Sydney James, since 1982 when we- with soon to be retired Lt. Col Terry Benn, trained at Tacama ‘Battle’ School.  In my view Sydney is incorruptible.
Patrick E. Mentore

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