CMAC welcomes plan

THE EDITOR: Finally we are made privy to a comprehensive plan to encourage and create cultural change in the Police Service. CMAC has called for and put forth suggestions for the past several months, to demand and encourage change in the Police Service. We welcome Professor Mastrofski’s plan as reported in the media over the weekend, and support his initiatives. We hasten to add however, that there must also be a firm commitment to rid the service of rogue elements and tainted police officers. Without first cleansing the service, there can be no reform.

We the communities of Trinidad and Tobago will cautiously remind government not to let this plan go the direction of many others, and into the political barren wasteland of propaganda. There must be accountability and responsibility for the full and expedient implementation of this plan. The only way for this plan to work and succeed in fighting crime is by the total buy in and participation of all concerned, which includes the administration, the unions and the service commissions.

Whilst CMAC applauds and supports this effort, we will also like to see similar emphasis put on the Prison Service and the Judiciary, in terms of reforms and cultural change to effect transformation. CMAC views these two entities just as important in the fight against crime and the reduction of criminal activity in this country. Communities Mobilising Against Crime . . . We represent the nation in demanding a Crime free Trinidad and Tobago.

PAUL PANTIN
Port-of-Spain