Advice for CoP on SRPs

THE EDITOR: Congratulations to acting Commissioner Snaggs for trying to resurrect the abused, poorly administered and moribund Special Reserve Police of Trinidad and Tobago. I applaud the personal touch and identification with his SRPs that the television recruitment advertisement creates. I really wish him God’s guidance and success in an undertaking where all previous Commissioners of Police have failed because of the unconcern they have had for SRPs. Imagine deceased former Commissioner Burroughs wanted to leave them in short pants when long pants were introduced for the regular police.

Commissioner Snaggs needs to be reminded that the SRPs are his very special unit over which he wields maximum control. If  he is to convince the Prime Minister that he is the man for the job he must manage the SRPs with the skill, vision, pride and efficacy that he would want to transmit to the regular police. All that he wants to see in the regular police must be implemented  in the Special Reserve Police and he needs to keep in mind that as far as possible a reserve must train with the team. There is a need for an immediate shake-up in SRP administration. An inspiring commandant is a must and Mr Snaggs must ensure  that rigid performance appraisal standards are applied both to the commandant and the adjutant. I would also suggest that Commissioner Snaggs review the list of SRPs that former Commissioner Guy had written to seeking to revoke their precept. Among them are disillusioned but competent men and the fight back against the criminal element needs all the crew on board. Finally Commissioner do something about promotions for there have been none in the SRPs for the last seven years.

HAYDN MURRAY
Mt Lambert