Criminals will be rooted out from hiding places

A tough talking Police Commissioner Trevor Paul yesterday assured that unruly elements will be rotted out from deep under their hiding places, and be brought to justice, “even if we have to take night and make day to achieve this objective.” Commissioner Paul was speaking at a press briefing held at the Sangre Grande Divisional Headquarters yesterday. He noted that women and children must feel free to roam our society and not be afraid of being attacked. “We must once again sit in our homes and feel secure among our family, friends and neighbours without the fear of being attacked by criminals,” said the Commissioner.

He noted that the only people that should fear among the society are the criminals, who are forewarned that the police will be attacking with all the might and resolve, and again assured that the war will be won. He said that this new initiative will involve all divisions of the Ministry of National Security. The Commissioner also revealed that the new effort is not another crime plan, but an organised approach in dealing with the situation. He expressed concern about recent disclosures about a missing police gun being used in the shooting death of a man in South, and reports about police officers being involved in kidnappings.

Commissioner Paul said that the two recent situations caused him great concern, but assured that steps are being put in place to deal with the situation. He said that this must never happen again and the public will see results shortly. He pointed out that he is aware of the possibility of low morale in the service, but assured that the long awaited promotions in the Second Division will be made shortly. A new process will soon come on stream to ensure that promotion is merit based. According to the Commissioner, the list will be sent to the PSC as early as next week and he hopes to have the promotion announced shortly. In an effort to deal with gang related homicides, Commissioner Paul revealed that a Homicide Prevention Working Group which is under the executive control of an Assistant Commissioner of Police, has begun the process of intelligence led investigations aimed at increasing detection and improving the quality of investigations and gathering of evidence.

This new dispensation will allow for higher prosecution and conviction rates. With respect to the problem of manpower in the service, the Commissioner noted that the shift system now being used may be phased out. Brigadier Peter Joseph, the Director of Government’s elite Special Anti Crime Unit, said that his unit has been working closely with the police, especially the Anti-Kidnapping Squad to rescue kidnap victims and make arrests. The assurances by Commissioner Paul and Briagdier Peter Joseph that the fight against crime will be won, was dismissed by members of the Sangre Grande Chamber of Commerce who also attended the press briefing. Members described the briefing as a PR campaign by the police and added that the business community remain terrified about the spate of crime.