Anna-Lisa Paul
As the public gets into the spirit of Christmas and readies itself to celebrate the Yuletide season, the Police Service (TTPS) will be moving to immediately increase manpower resources on the ground as it intensifies operations over the next six weeks in order to reduce crime and murders.
Also, in a further bid to encourage members of the public to share information relating to criminal activities and perpetrators, a new cell number has been added to the existing list of contacts that can be used to anonymously report illegal activity.
While 736-8877 (TTPS) will not become operational before Monday, it is part of the secure technology platform monitored at the level of the Deputy Commissioner of Police and Commissioner of Police.
Providing the rationale behind these latest measures during the weekly TTPS media briefing at the Police Administration Building, Port-of-Spain, on Thursday, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Operations, Erla Christopher said greater focus will be placed on communities, inclusive of residential, commercial and industrial entities.
Warning that there would be increased visibility of police officers along the nation’s roadways in the coming weeks, she said, “Our main objective over the next six weeks will be to contain our murders.
“Although statisticians will say that we are bound and that we are on that track, I want to assure our communities and our citizens that it is not an impossible task and it will be achieved.”
She added, “It is not the TTPS versus the criminals. It is all law-abiding citizens versus the criminals. We all have a part to play and I want to remind citizens of their role in assisting us.”
Christopher urged citizens to exercise heightened vigilance when out at supermarkets and gift shopping; and to ensure homes and vehicles were secured.
To the business community, she advised, “When transporting cash, ensure you have additional security and if needed, communicate with the station in your district to ensure that additional security.”
For parents/guardians, she urged them to make sure children were properly supervised and warned against drinking and driving.
Indicating that these measures will remain in place for until Carnival, Christopher said, “Our goal remains the reduction of crime and the fear of crime, to regain the public’s confidence, to ensure the public’s safety and to reduce traffic congestions and improve safety on our nation’s roadways and in other public places.”
Confirming foot and mobile patrols are to be ramped up, she said the additional resources will come from specialist units, including Human Resources, Finance, Fraud Squad, Anti Corruption Bureau, Court & Process and the Complaints Section.
Special Reserve Police (SRP) officers will also be utilised in this effort.
Compensation will be worked out accordingly with each officer, Christopher said.
Acknowledging the challenges the TTPS is currently facing, the DCP also said, “We have changed gears and we will achieve our mandates.”
Acting Police Commissioner Mc Donald Jacob meanwhile said despite the general improvement in the crime-fighting approach, “different tactics and strategies need to be in place to suit the particular environment.”
He said main business places such as malls, groceries, shopping centres and public spaces will enjoy a greater police presence, while private security agencies will also become part of the national security apparatus in this venture.
Jacob said between 25 to 30 new vehicles will be added to the TTPS fleet within the next two weeks, followed by another such addition before the end of the year which will bring the total number to approximately 60. He said this will enhance their mobile network.