New top cop Paul assures dent in crime

New Police Commissioner Trevor Paul has assured citizens that he will do all in his power to make a serious dent in the escalating crime situation in the country, and return a sense of security to all. “We must, in a united way, deal with the evident frustration expressed by the law abiding in our midst,” said the new Commissioner. Paul, 56, who was given his instrument of appointment by the Police Service Commission on Wednesday afternoon, met with members of the media yesterday at the Police Service Commission building.

“It is no doubt that I am at the helm of the Police Service at a time when its performance rating is probably at its lowest. “I am now in charge at a time when public opinion suggests that the failure of the organisation to adequately protect and serve our citizens is as a result of major deficiencies at the management level,” said Paul. He said that this troubled nation of ours is crying out for an environment in which one can experience an acceptable level of safety and security. “Who should be blamed is not, in my view, the issue.” He assured that a difference will be made if things are done differently. “With a new Police Commissioner and a new Chairman of the Police Service Commission, probably we can do new things,” he said. Paul pointed out that on the issue of promotion, the PSC and the executive of the Police Service must find a way in which there will be the appropriate connection between performance and promotion, and it is his resolve to reward with promotion, those who perform.

A determined Paul concluded, “I have a burning desire to lead the transformation of the Police Service into an organisation which is focused on the delivery of professional police services to our customers, and this will impact on the way we address operational issues.” Newly appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Christopher Thomas, who also addressed the gathering, said that the promotioin of Paul comes at a time when crime has reached historic proportions and levels, when lawlessness threatens the very fabric of the society and when the fundamentals of governance are continuously and continually confronted.

“There is consternation everywhere and in these difficult national circumstances, the expectation of our citizenry is great and a tremendous burden devolves upon Paul and his office,” the Chairman noted. He revealed that the new PSC will be working closely with Paul to strengthen functional responsibility, develop an outreach programme which will increase information flows and inform on a continuing basis the mechanism of collaboration between the Commissioner and the Commission.