THE Police Complaints Authority (PCA) has reaffirmed its independence, amid online pressure for the dismissal of its director, David West.

The statement follows a surge in fatal police shootings — six in just eight days since the state of emergency was declared on July 18.

While the T&T Police Service (TTPS) has defended its officers’ right to protect themselves and has called on criminal elements not to engage with law enforcement, the PCA, in speaking with the Express last week, raised concern over the spike in fatalities following confrontations.