A SENSE OF SECURITY

THE general population as well as visitors felt a sense of security at this year's Carnival, both through pre-emptive Police action and highly visible Police and soldier presence. The the strategy adopted by the Commissioner of Police of early reporting to the Media of arrests of armed bandits and seizure of their weapons contributed to would-be criminals having second thoughts.

Police Commissioner Hilton Guy's tactic of alerting the public early of prompt and effective action, along with a seen and understood Police and Regiment presence, generated confidence in persons planning on playing mas and/or in looking on at the celebrations. The visible Police presence strategy was one adopted by former New York Mayor Giuliani in his Administration's well known and highly successful war on crime. It was a return to policemen on the beat, and perceived ready access. It worked in New York, was equally effective on the streets at Carnival, and was a shock to those preaching doom and gloom for our Carnival, not only in Trinidad and Tobago, but in London, New York, Toronto and oddly enough hoping for the worst.

The success of the Hilton Guy initiative should not be a one and done thing, an aberration. Admittedly, new strategies will have to be worked out, but they should nonetheless incorporate some of those which proved highly successful on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, including on the beat Police officers to complement other officers in Police cars, on motorcycles and on horseback. There should be a sensible blend of the two. For while it is comforting to know that there can be a rapid mobile Police response to a call from a citizen, whose home has just been robbed, it is perhaps equally consoling to know that the presence of officers on patrol in the neighbourhood has acted and continues to act as a deterrent. As part of his anti crime measures for Carnival 2003 Commissioner Guy positioned literally scores of plainclothes officers, who mingled with the crowds, and specifically for Jour Ouvert, with the bands. Several persons, acting suspiciously, or known to be criminals were, when stopped and questioned, found to be armed with various types of weapons.

Commissioner Guy's officers have a difficult job when it comes to public perception. Police officers who, seeking to take pre-emptive action, question loiterers, instruct that they move on, or search offenders known to them, are liable to be accused of Police harassment. If, however, the same officers ignore and drive past the group, and some of the loiterers should later hold up and rob a nearby business place, the officers will be criticised for not living up to the motto of the Service: To protect and serve.

All too often Police officers must walk a thin line. Despite that, the good work by them during the Carnival must not be allowed to slide and be forgotten. The sense of security encouraged by them and by soldiers of the Defence Force should be followed through. The Downtown Owners Merchants Association has shown, through the installation of surveillance cameras, that it is willing to assist in the battle against crime. The population can assist, too, by reporting crimes, and being a bit more vigilant.