Govt to review practice of using cops for security at private fetes

Government would be reviewing the practice of using  police officers to provide security to private Carnival fetes. Speaking at a news conference, National Security Minister Martin Joseph stated that Government was not totally happy with the arrangement. But he noted that under the current system, fete promoters were required by law to engage a certain number of policemen. “Unfortunately we could not touch that this year. But we are going to be reviewing how we do that in the future because there are some things that we are not very satisfied with and we would attempt to address it. But it couldn’t be done this year,” he said.  

The National Security Minister stated that  all the necessary discussions had taken place with all stakeholders to ensure  this is a safe Carnival. “Those things that we did well last year we would try to improve because the criminals try to be one step ahead,” he said. Noting that  some of last year’s surprises would not be surprises this year, Joseph stated that the challenge was to outsmart the criminals. On the apparent let-up in the spate of kidnappings, Joseph is knocking wood. He said there were some criminal activities the police could focus on, (such as kidnappings), while unfortunately they could not focus at this stage on other kinds of crime, such as those associated with domestic violence. However  he noted that as changes came about in the way policing was done, there would be a decrease in all crimes. 

On the recent incidents in which the police have been accused of using excessive force, Joseph said this was one of the challenges. He said police officers must never be put at risk as they discharge their responsibilities. But, he noted, they also had to be aware of the level of force that is necessary. “I want to be careful because I do not want it to be seen as though I am criticising the behaviour of our police officers at all. But part of the role of community policing is smart policing — being aware of your environment and knowing how to discharge your responsibilities so that one you don’t put yourself at risk and two you are not accused of using excessive force, where and when it is not necessary. Joseph also announced that Cabinet has agreed to have MTS begin refurbishing  the Scarborough Police Station at a cost of $3.6 million and Siparia Police Station at a cost of $1.2 million.