FORMER police commissioner Gary Griffith has sharply criticised the decision by Commissioner of Police (CoP) Allister Guevarro to request a state of emergency (SoE), calling it a sign of operational weakness and a misuse of national security protocols.

The SoE, which came into effect on July 18, was based on intelligence suggesting organised criminal gangs, both inside and outside the prison system, were planning attacks on politicians and public officials.

Guevarro, speaking at a media briefing on July 18 at the Police Administration Building in Port of Spain, said the threats were credible and immediate, prompting an urgent appeal to the government.