Move to restore trust in Police Service

The observation was made by Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Christopher Thomas, at the first stakeholders’ meeting of the commission, which was held recently at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Port-of-Spain.

In his remarks at the breakfast meeting, Thomas said one of the "very troubling aspects of the crime situation today is the breakdown in police/public relations." He said the collaboration between the public and police had to be restored and, therefore, there was "a cogent need for an expanded programme on police/public relations." Thomas added, "There must be a concerted and collective effort of all stakeholders of the nation, with the Government, to stem this epidemic and claim social ownership of our country."

He said the commission in that regard was holding discussions with the security officials to ascertain just how the collaboration might be pursued.

Thomas also reported that following direct consultations with the police throughout the country, it was revealed that there was a "need to address basic questions of morale, performance and conditions in the Police Service." He said as a result, the policing function has to be enhanced through the development of quality personnel.

Several organisations attended the meeting, including members of the Police Social and Welfare Association, Crime Stoppers, National Parent Teachers’ Association and the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO).