Police worried over missing bulletproof vests

THE Police Welfare Association (PWA) is concerned about a report of a break-in at the Police Stores on Wrightson Road in Port-of-Spain two weeks ago, and a report of  missing bulletproof vests and police kits. “This is a very serious indictment on the Police Service, especially since we are not certain into whose hands those kits or vests could fall,” Cpl Noel Chase, secretary of the PWA told Newsday. “The fact is these items could fall into the hands of questionable persons with crime plans on their minds. It is a very serious issue. “I am hoping it is an issue of misplacement or wrong stocktaking and not as reported — stolen.”

According to reports, two weeks ago persons broke into the Police Stores at Wrightson Road and took some items. On initial checks, it was found that some ceramic items were taken, but later checks revealed recently purchased uniforms and bulletproof vests were also missing. The secretary also expressed concern over the fact that civilian personnel are running the stores. “Stores is a sensitive and peculiar area. Civilians should not be in charge. There is no control over what they could do. “Twelve years ago, when an officer applied for a uniform he would get his regimental number stamped on his shirt and trousers. Now that has been stopped.

“Anyone can put on a police uniform and go into a house and commit a crime. And with the image building we are trying to get going, we cannot take this lightly. “We already have occurrences of people walking into stations, putting on uniforms and then going out and committing crimes. With kits and vests in hand, any criminal could have a field day. In the end this could adversely affect the Police Service.” The secretary admitted they were now getting the information on the break-in and had no idea of the quantum stolen or the exact details. Newsday was assured, however, that once the information is provided, it will be discussed at the PWA, after which discussions will take place at the police executive level. Efforts to contact Police Commissioner Trevor Paul and Deputy Commissioner Oswyn Allard were futile.