Supt Rajkumar: Stay out of our division

Steer clear of the Northern Division or face relentless pursuit by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.

He gave the warning during a press conference held at the Maloney Police Station, while displaying to reporters seven firearms, an assortment of ammunition and a quantity of marijuana which were seized during the period August 28 to September 5.

“I want to let those persons who intend on coming here to disrupt the peace know that we will be in your face at all times,” Rajkumar said.

He told members of the media that for the year, Northern Division police officers have found and seized 85 firearms which is the second highest number of firearms recovered by police officers per division for the year.

“Based on our goal of reducing crime and the fear of crime, one of the objectives that each divisional commander has is to retrieve at least 100 firearms for the year,” Rajkumar explained.

“I am proud of the officers under my command for doing such an exceptional job. I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the officers here today and those in the division for their continued support in the performance of their duties.” Rajkumar added that the Northern Division is now experiencing a 20 percent reduction in crime, and said the division has the highest rate of solved murders.

“Like every other division you have the economic situation and unemployment, as major challenges contributing to crime, but that is totally different to what we are focusing on.

We are focused on retrieving firearms and making sure this division is a safe place for everyone.” Rajkumar added that along with the search for firearms in the division, police officers are also using the softer approach to policing, where officers would have walkabouts.

Station commanders have been directed to commence walkabouts in their districts, and engage citizens to hear their concerns, and assist them in whatever areas they can.

He added that community officers are also reaching out to people, and persons are also invited to station council meetings where ideas can be exchanged to see how the Police Service in the community can be improved.