I refer to an interview of Mr. Harish Boodhoo published in l?express in its issue of 30th November 2007 and I wish to make the following clarifications for the information of the general public:

(i) The decision to set up the Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) in May 2000 as a sub-unit of the Central CID was an operational decision taken by the Commissioner of Police to provide a dedicated unit for the diligent and professional investigation of all serious crimes based on the latest scientific techniques.

(ii) Therefore, the statement made by Mr. Harish Boodhoo to the effect that the Prime Minster was the one to create the MCIT is false and misleading.

(iii) All officers posted to that newly set up unit were initially trained by senior crime investigators from the U.K. and in 2005, a number of MCIT officers attended advanced training in crime investigation at the FBI Academy in the United States.

(iv) Ever since, the MCIT has time and again, proved its competency and effectiveness through the detection of several cases of serious crime such as murder, rape, hold-up, etc? In 2005, the activities of the MCIT were decentralised and regionalised with the establishment of an MCIT (South) at Curepipe Divisional Headquarters.

(v) Following allegations of corrupt practices made against unnamed members of the MCIT, the matter has already been referred to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) for investigation.

(vi) The MCIT which is since 16th October 2007 under the charge of Mr. Ahmud Yoosoof Soopun, Assistant Superintendent of Police, is operating to my entire satisfaction as evidenced by the detection of a complicated murder case (Thursday 29th November 2007), amongst other serious cases.

(vii) As the MCIT plays a key role in the fight against crime and in ensuring public safety and security, it will not be in the public interest to disband that unit of the Central CID. Besides, every police service across the world has a team of specialists to deal with serious crimes. The MCIT has, therefore, its raison d?être in our local context.

(viii) In the event of the ICAC establishing a prima facie case against any officer of the MCIT, that officer will be dealt with according to law. While the posting of officers to and from the MCIT is necessary for the good of the service, the MCIT cannot be disbanded under any circumstances.

Finally, I make an appeal to the media and to the public at large to refrain from any action which would unjustly and unfairly undermine the reputation and credibility of the Mauritius Police Force.

R. GOPALSINGH Commissioner of Police