Cops face scare tactics in hills

POLICE officers on patrol in the crime-infested hills of North-Eastern division are daily putting their lives at risk having to dodge bullets. According to reports, this is a daily occurrence in areas such as Laventille, Morvant and San Juan.

The shooting which takes place mostly at nights are believed to be scare tactics to ward off the police. “While most of the shootings have not hit any targets, we have had a few hitting the cars,” a senior police officer confirmed. “The fact is this is part of the job and we go there to do it. We take all the necessary protection, patrolling in twos and threes, using bullet-proof vests and having proper firearm.

“Although the reports are made and noted, we are not going to allow this to deter us. These gunmen are using these scare tactics in a hope to scare off the cops. They stand at the top of the hills and when they see the police car coming they shoot and run. “What is encouraging is that usually there are between four and five shootings at the police a night, this has dropped to one per night in some areas and three or four a week in other areas.

“This we believe is because of the regular patrols which we will continue and even increase. Our aim is to provide protection for the citizens and reduce the number of crimes taking place, altogether.”
In recent times there have been several claims of police shooting citizens after they were attacked or shot at.