Tobago NAR calls for vigorous shake-up to deal with crime

The establishment of a Third Magistrates’ Court, an office for the Fraud Squad, a “vigorous shake-up” of the CID and the establishment of police facilities at Crown Point and Scarborough Port are among the recommendations made by the Tobago NAR for addressing crime in the sister isle. The document, which is signed by Chairman Christo Gift, also calls for a Police Mounted Branch in Tobago and the introduction of Marine Branch Units in the sister isle. 

Gift also recommended an increase in the manpower in the Tobago Division from 150 officers to 356 officers, “with the intention of rising still further to a minimum strength of 550 and a maximum of 800 officers.” Officers prosecuting in the courts should be at least at the rank of acting Sergeant, and for the First Magistrates’ Court, the rank of an Inspector. Gift stated that Special Branch, CID and OCNU services were necessary now that the expansion of Crown Point Airport was underway. There should also be a liaison office at the Scarborough Port, he said, noting that the port was no less significant or vulnerable than Crown Point.

On the establishment of the Third Magistrates’ Court, Gift said it would relieve the existing courts of some of their work load. He recommended that all matters handled by the First Magistrates’ Court and all matters relating to domestic violence and family related matters be transferred to the Third Magistrates’ Court. The suggestion for a “vigorous shake-up” in the CID  involved the temporary transfer of officers in Tobago to high crime areas in Trinidad for three month periods “for the  fine tuning of their skills and general development.” He recommended an “infusion of talented detectives” from Trinidad into Tobago on rotation for periods up to three months over the next three years.

There should be better oversight on the interrogation of prisoners especially where confession statements constitute the only incriminating evidence, Gift stated. He called for the installation of foot, vehicle and mounted branch patrols. He advised too that the system for the serving of summons, which delayed the progress of cases, (and which encouraged officers to institute criminal matters by the issuance of warrants of arrests)  should be improved. Gift said the Charlotteville and Roxborough Police Stations also need to be refurbished.