Time to act on crime

Statistics presented by the Acting Commissioner of Police (CoP) regarding a drop in reported violent crime did not have the desired effect of allaying the pervasive fear that has now gripped our nation. It is exceedingly disturbing that our law enforcement agencies appear incapable of making any significant inroads in the fight against crime.

Apart from the murders, the upsurge in kidnappings, missing children and young adults, and the vulnerability of women using public transportation has led to a growing sense of unease among the population. To add to an already distressing situation, social media is now being used to feed widespread fear through a great deal of misinformation and rumour-mongering that is shared and broadcast on these platforms. In all of this, many of us remain unconvinced that enough is being done by way of detection and prosecution.

More and more, TT is being highlighted in the international media for all the wrong reasons; terrorist recruits, gang activity, human trafficking and crimes against tourists have all made headlines in recent times. Last year, the US Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security noted that “A significant and growing portion of this violence is attributed to the influence of gangs, illegal narcotics, and firearms.” Several high-profile crimes have seemingly dropped off the radar, though yet to be solved, with perpetrators being brought to justice.

Any attempt to urgently address the situation, ought to take the following points into consideration.

The Acting CoP is on his eighth six-month contract and there are no signs that we are drawing any closer to appointing a permanent commissioner. This has become something of a farce, but we remain ever hopeful that the Police Service Commission would make this matter an urgent priority.

Manpower shortages remain a challenge for the police service. While there were reports in early 2016 that some 1500-plus Special Reserve officers would be absorbed into the service, this has not materialised. Fast-tracking this plan would give a much-needed boost to the TTPS and allow it to increase its visibility in public.

The police must be properly equipped to respond, detect and prosecute crimes. Basic tools of the trade such as bullet-proof vests, handcuffs, flashlights as well as more sophisticated equipment need to be provided to officers. The Acting Commissioner has made a clear case for administering his own budget and it is hoped that this would be given fair consideration.

If all that was mentioned before is addressed and the service remains with a high level of rogue officers, it would be akin to the proverbial “spinning top in mud”. Far too many officers are before the courts, while others are convicted of unlawful killings, solicitation of bribes, theft and other crimes. Ultimately this is the reason why public confidence low. The TT Chamber is of the firm view that this must be comprehensively addressed, even if it means soliciting foreign assistance.