Solutions to crime situation in nation

The levels of crime can be greatly decreased in a very short time.

As it stands today, the odds favour the criminals. Criminals can easily get firearms to commit crime while it is almost impossible for citizens, including policemen and soldiers who are daily exposed to criminals, to legally access firearms. Additionally, citizens cannot legally access non-lethal protective devises like pepper spray, mace or stun guns. Criminals know that despite being seen on video, such evidence can be challenged in the courts.

Criminals can easily generate fake vehicle identification as our vehicle identification plates are simply letters and numbers on a white or black surface.

A major contributor to crime is our outdated and inefficient justice system. Conflict resolution and justice favour the criminals who, after being arrested, are free on bail to continue their criminal activities for years before ever facing the courts. There is absolutely no fear of repercussions for breaking the law.

The following steps must be taken to reverse the levels of crime in TT : * Enact legislation to immediately reduce the number of cases before the courts. Cases over five years that have not been heard or are not likely to be heard ought to be either dismissed outright our entered in a plea-bargaining system. These cases can be sorted by levels of threat to communities.

* Immediately enact legislation that imposes a mandatory jail term of no less than five years for firearm offences.

This legislation should come into effect after a gun amnesty programme of two months where criminals can dump their illegal firearms into safe receptacles placed within the communities with impunity.

* Enact legislation for a gun court where all firearm offences are brought immediately and dispensed with as soon as possible.

* Allow for crime scene forensics to be sent abroad for evaluation and determination.

Upgrade and staff the forensics department to investigate crime scenes.

* Enact legislation to allow for a DNA bank and for appropriate DNA legislation to support criminal investigations similar to what exists in developed countries.

* Change the firearm laws to allow for a firearm board comprising civilian and police to determine whether an applicant should be issued a firearm permit.

* Immediately make available to citizens non-lethal self-defence mechanisms like pepper spray, mace and stun guns.

* Immediately have State-issued vehicle licence plates with security features for all vehicles.

There are many other initiatives that must be taken if one is serious about dealing with the crime situation. These include having structured police patrols, revising the local government structure to allow for effective community policing, legislation for allowing electronic surveillance to be accepted in court, and immediately embarking on a structured and well planned initiative to improve the relationship between the police and the civilian community.

Steve Alvarez via email