Incompetence of Police Service

And, on Thursday, one police officer fatally shot another, apparently by accident.

In respect to this last incident, Commissioner Paul said there would be an investigation and a report would be handed in within two weeks. His prompt response and clear timeline implies that there are set procedures in place for this kind of incident.

However, this in itself highlights the contrast with the Hamilton killing, with the Commissioner only giving the vague assurance that the matter would be investigated. On the police beating of Devon Sookdeo, who was awarded damages from the court, Commissioner Paul remains silent.

The killing of Corporal Ricardo Guerra is salt rubbed into the wounded reputation of the Police Service.

Thus far, the incident does not seem to be one of malice, but of incompetence. Guerra’s colleague, Corporal Sheldon Narine, was reportedly cleaning his UZI automatic firearm at about 11.50 pm when it went off. Nine bullets were fired, three of which hit Guerra. He died at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital while undergoing surgery.

At the press conference called to inform the public about the shooting, Commissioner Paul emphasised that this incident should not be taken to mean that officers do not get weapons training. But obviously they do. The question is, do officers maintain this training? Commissioner Paul himself noted that Corporal Narine seemed to have bypassed at least three basic procedures — ensuring that the weapon was not loaded; not having another person in the room while cleaning his weapon; and pointing the muzzle away from the other person. Even admitting that Narine may have been subject to night-shift syndrome, where persons working late hours are more prone to error, the fact is that martial training is supposed to be so ingrained that certain procedures are simply automatic. This seems not to have been the case with Corporal Narine — nor, perhaps, with Corporal Guerra, since he remained in the room with his colleague.

Of the many recommendations made to improve the Police Service, enhanced training has been a prime one.

Citizens have too frequently noted a lack of professionalism from police officers.

This lack ranges from improper or outright refusal to identify themselves when carrying out exercises; drinking on the job; rudeness or aggression when dealing with reports from the public; and harassment of women.

Additionally, the fact that officers seem unable to shoot to wound, even when faced with mentally deranged persons armed only with a piece of wood or a knife, does not say much about their level of martial arts and weapons training. But better training is only half the challenge. Officers must also be subject to regular refresher courses and tests of their physical and mental fitness.

If the authorities can put these basics in place, perhaps the Police Service will start winning the fight against crime. At present, simple incompetence seems to be a pertinent explanation as to why the criminals are having a field day.