‘Lawlessness will not be tolerated’

A tough talking Minister of National Security Howard Chin Lee announced yesterday that 1,000 police officers will be deployed on the streets of Trinidad and Tobago in the new war on crime.

Chin Lee, who hosted a joint press briefing with Ag Police Commissioner Everald Snaggs at Police Headquarters, said that the idea is to send a clear message to the criminal elements that their lawlessness will not be tolerated. “Our first and immediate act in addressing this accelerated level of criminal activity is to increase the visibility of law enforcement officers throughout Trinidad and Tobago, and to this end it was agreed by the Prime Minister that 1,000 additional police officers will be deployed to patrol the streets of our nation,” said Chin Lee. Both Chin Lee and the Ag Police Commissioner were unable to say where the additional manpower will come from, and how soon the additional officers will be deployed on the streets. The Ag Commissioner would only say that it will be done. Sources revealed that the added strength of 1,000 additional officers will come from retired police officers. Newsday learned that there are 6,000 police officers in the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and at any given time, over one third of those officers are on leave.

The National Security Minister also announced that there will be a proliferation of mobile police posts, with four already on the way and 20 more in the process of procurement. “You will soon be seeing a greater presence of police with greater levels of response to calls for assistance from the public,” said Minister Chin Lee. The Minister also announced the immediate establishment of a National Crime Commission, which will serve as an evaluation mechanism to ensure that the resources are available, and these resources are managed in the required manner. The Commission will consist of religious leaders and other members of the national community. Touching on the scourge of kidnappings, the Minister noted that many innovative measures to deal with that type of crime would be introduced. The Minister renewed his call for more participation from members of the public to assist in the war against crime. He reiterated that while the citizens are clamouring for results, it must be noted that the measures will not put an immediate end to crime.

Snaggs said that the Police Service is aware of the fear that is permeating the society. He added there will be a re-organisation of the Service in an effort to optimise the use of resources and enhance police presence. The decision to announce a new crime plan followed concerns expressed by members of the business community who met twice this week with Prime Minister Patrick Manning at White Hall. President of the Police First Division ACP Winston Cooper welcomed the new crime plan and said that it will receive the support of all First Division officers. The Police Second Division President Ag Inspector Christopher Holder is out of the country.