472 reports involving children being investigated

This was announced yesterday by Ag Supt Beverly Rodriguez at the Police Service’s weekly press briefing at police headquarters, Port of Spain.

Rodriguez said the nature of the reports included sexual assault, sexual grooming, physical abuse and abandonment.

She said of the total, 224 involved boys while 248 involved girls.

She pleaded with parents and guardians to pay attention to their children especially during the vacation period.

“Please research the day-care or camp and other places in whose care you intend to leave your children.

“Find out about the persons who are going to be in charge of your children, the safety measures that are in place and the persons who have access to the facility.” Rodriguez said many children are left unsupervised or with minimum supervision during the July/August vacation period.

This, she said, could be attributed mainly to the fact that parents or guardians are usually at work.

“The option to leave your children in the care and custody of relatives is also practical and cost effective.

In as much the same way regarding day cares and vacation camps, parents must be aware of the persons who are going to be frequenting the household where their children are staying.” She encouraged parents and guardians to monitor their children for signs of discomfort whilst walking or sitting, reluctance to undress in the presence of others who they may have previously felt comfortable doing so, running away from home and exhibiting poor personal hygiene among others.

She said members of the public are free to contact the CPU at any police station or call 800-TIPS (555) or the child protection secretariat at 621-2588.