Disband special anti-crime unit

The formation of the Special Anti Crime Unit, headed by a Brigadier, and the recruitment of foreigners have all failed to register any significant impact on the spiral crime rate.

Many have indicated that the Commissioner of Police and the Minister of National Security should resign. While this may be so, I am reasonably certain that placing other persons in these two positions means that the murders and homicides would not stop the next week. So I have already ruled out this scenario as an immediate solution. So what are the real solutions?

I have divided into two categories. Legislative and Operational. Legislative: A one month gun and drugs amnesty should be offered. Following which, any person found with an illegal firearm will automatically get a five year’s stay at the state’s expense.

The Government must be able to seize property where known criminals are being harboured. When this property is seized, it will be bulldozed if it’s private and not a NHA unit, if the property is a NHA unit, it goes back to the state for reallocation. (This method of operations exists in Israel).

All persons with criminal matters before the court who have been successful in securing bail must be fitted with GPS ankle bands, and be placed on a curfew, a violation of which means an immediate revocation of bail.

Implement a Criminal Register system. This is simply a system where John Public can access data on persons who are known offenders, and persons who are wanted for questioning on criminal matters. This system can further be enhanced by the publishing of data on newsprint and or brochure distribution.

Implement a Bounty Hunter system. Known criminals and bail jumpers can now be on the run from any registered bounty hunter, (local or foreign) as it seems the local police service has great difficulty apprehending criminals. (We all know that this method of operation exists in many developed countries).

The reinstatement of the death penalty. I don’t know why the 120 odd people on death row are still alive today, many of them having exhausted all avenues of appeal, but it’s time to hang without further delay. I am aware of the Pratt and Morgan Issue, but it’s time for Trinidad and Tobago to make its own destiny and not the Law Lords who live in luxury and peace and not in a war zone.

Operational: Disband the Special Anti Crime Unit. These individuals are too highly paid, and we are not getting value for money. Too much resources in terms of equipment and infrastructure yet they have achieved nothing to show for it. This unit should be replaced by four separate task forces, with responsibility for North, South, East, and West. These units would be responsible for the elimination of the drug trade in their specific regions, with a special emphasis on targeting drug blocks and barons. The crime detection rate and conviction rate must significantly improve. Don’t these individuals watch CSI? Get the necessary equipment and training for the relevant individuals and let us get on with it. The Trinidad and Tobago Coast and Air Guard must take the full responsibility of the border patrol, to eliminate the importation of drugs and firearms. They must be equipped accordingly, and act with brutal force on the high seas where necessary.

Do I really think the Minister of National Security should resign? No at least not yet. But I do think that the Brigadier of the SAUTT, Mr Peter Joseph, and the head of the Coast Guard Capt Jewah Ramoutar, should leave post haste. Too much time wasting and no results.

SEAN DE MILLS

Port-of-Spain