Cops fear for safety

The new Sky Watch Unit at the Cipriani Statue on Independence Square, Port-of-Spain, malfunctioned last Friday night. The surveillance unit was operational yesterday, but officers assigned to the new eye on crime surveillance unit claim they are not comfortable with the working environment. They fear for their safety. On Friday, the two officers assigned duties at the unit reported that the hydraulic system in the unit was not working and, therefore, could not take up duties on Friday night.

According to reports, around 5 pm on Friday, WPC Alfonso and PC Joseph of the Guard and Emergency Branch went to the unit to relieve two other officers. They observed that the lift was not working and a report was made to their senior officers. Up-a-Notch Ltd which is responsible for repairs to the unit was contacted. David Smith of Up-a-Notch carried out a check and confirmed that the hydraulic system was not working. On Saturday, he returned to Independence Square and repaired the lift.

The lift reportedly malfunctioned again over the weekend, and was again repaired. Police officers of the Guard and Emergency Branch told Newsday they intend to take up the matter with the Police Association since they have not been trained to work from heights, and they also feel that the system is a waste of time. The Sky Watch is used by the United States military in Iraq, at border sites and correctional facilities. Officers assigned to Sky Watch claim the high- rise buildings around the city debar them from doing any proper surveillance. Last week, the Sky Watch Unit was deployed in Port-of-Spain.