Police officers angry

Officers said that Manning’s announcement that the foreign officers will work alongside the Special Anti-crime Unit of Trinidad and Tobago (SAUTT), has confirmed their fears that there is a second police service in the country. Officers yesterday described the move by Government to bring in the "Yardies "and "Feds" as a waste of time and resources.

Contacted last night, Sgt Noel Chase, secretary of the Police Second Division, said "what message are you sending to the legitimate Police Service of Trinidad and Tobago, especially where motivation and morale is concerned.

"I don’t know what the intention of the Government is, and I don’t know how the arrival of the foreign officers will assist in the reduction of crime," said Chase.

He is of the view that if given the necessary manpower and resources, the Police Service would make a dent in the crime rate.

He said that resources must be channelled in the right direction. Chase also lashed out at the $7 million allocated to the refurbishment of police stations.

He said that sum is not enough and the Ministry of National Security needs to rethink that figure.

Other police officers contacted last night said the Government has clearly demonstrated that it has no confidence in local police officers. Officers added that it seems that SAUTT was highly favoured by the Government.

They added that a blimp, helicopters, and fast patrol boats have been purchased for SAUTT, while the needs of the Police Service continue to be placed on the back burner.

Officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad complained bitterly yesterday that they do not have the necessary resources to deal effectively with kidnapping.