AKS in Central since September

The announcement that a strike squad to deal specifically with kidnappings in Central Trinidad was met with surprise from senior police officers in Port-of-Spain yesterday. Police sources told Newsday that since September last year, a team of AKS officers was moved from Port-of-Spain and housed in Couva to deal with kidnappings in Central and South. The team comprised of specially selected officers under Sgt Joseph Issac. The Anti-Kidnapping Squad has a manpower of over 50 police officers. According to senior officers, 85 percent of the kidnappings for the year took place in Central Trinidad.

This prompted discussions by a group of business leaders, the police and Minister of National Security Martin Joseph earlier this week. It was decided at that meeting that a strike squad comprising the existing AKS officers already based in Central, and officers from other police sections be moved to Central to deal specifically with kidnappings. A police helicopter patrol will also be made available to AKS officers within 15 minutes of a kidnapping. A decision was also taken that the police can lock down any particular area in the event of a kidnapping. AKS officers however revealed that while additional manpower is welcome, they feel that Government and Police Commissioner Trevor Paul are not serious about dealing with kidnappings. They added that most of the equipment purchased by Government has gone to the Anti-Crime Unit and not the AKS.

“This place really wrongside yes, because a set of jokers driving around in unmarked vehicles, having a good time, patrolling in helicopters at night and yet the murders and kidnappings continue to increase,” said a senior police officer yesterday. He added that when the Anti-Crime Unit was formed Joseph promised results, but up to yesterday citizens were still living in fear. In commenting on the resignation of ASP Adam Joseph, who was attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, senior officers said that Joseph, 53, exercised his choice of taking early retirement and moving to greener pastures.  He could have retired at 55 or stay on until 60. ASP David Nedd, formerly attached to the Homicide Bureau, will replace Joseph.