AS a country, we must all insist that those appointed to lead the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) are most qualified and suitable, based upon merit and performance.

The TTPS is charged with the responsibility for the safety and security of citizens, and anything less than the most qualified indivi­duals to lead will risk our collective well-being, the safety of our citizens, and the undermining of the rule of law.

So said attorneys Jagdeo Singh and Gerald Ramdeen yesterday evening in a joint statement on behalf of their client, Insp Mark Hernandez, who was successful in his judicial review claim against the fairness and legality of the current promotional exercise for the elevation of police officers from the rank of inspector to that of assistant superintendent of police (ASP).