JAP patrols target hotspot crime areas

Police have identified 18 hotspot crime areas throughout the country which will now have a visible police/army presence on a round-the-clock basis. Since last Friday, the joint police/army patrols in all police divisions resumed and will continue indefinitely. Resumption of the patrols is part of the anti-crime initiative of Police Commissioner Trevor Paul and Chief of Defence Staff Ancil Antoine. The hotspot areas identified are Laventille, Morvant, Belmont, Sea Lots, Factory Road, Diego Martin, Cocorite, Curepe, Longdenville, Enterprise, Edinburgh 500, Railway Road, Couva, Princes Town, Gunhill, Point Fortin and Valencia, Sangre Grande and certain parts of Toco.

Several senior police officers welcomed the re-introduction of the JAP patrols saying that it was clearly reaping the desired results. Several persons who live in hotspot crime areas were high in praise of the foot and mobile patrols, and feel that the visible presence of the police and army on a round-the-clock basis would prevent the senseless shootings and killings. Paul said the assault against crime would continue and he was hoping to see a marked decrease in the number of serious crimes.