The Prison Officers’ Association (POA) has expressed concern over what it describes as “knee-jerk decisions” by the Government in addressing T&T’s crime challenges, particularly during the recently declared State of Emergency (SoE).
While the POA supports any well-intentioned efforts to combat crime, its president, Gerard Gordon, on Tuesday called out the glaring inadequacies of the nation’s prison system, which he says is under-resourced, overburdened, and plagued by severe infrastructural deficiencies.
Gordon criticised the Government for presiding over the decline of the prison system and expecting these same dilapidated facilities to manage detainees and arrestees during the SOE.
Since the SoE was called on December 30, 2024, police have arrested close to 150 people for various offences.
According to the POA, no detention facility in the country is currently equipped to ensure effective and efficient operations that contribute to public safety.
“The facilities identified by the Detention of Persons Directions 2025 are in various states of disrepair,” Gordon said. He revealed that prison officers often resorted to using their own modest salaries to purchase essential items and repair equipment just to maintain daily operations.
This, he contended, amounted to “organisational abuse” and highlighted the Government’s failure to understand the critical requirements of managing correctional institutions. Gordon further emphasised the vital role these institutions play in reducing crime, curbing recidivism, and promoting public safety.
“Our members are already stretched thin,” he said. “With little to no support for even the most basic needs, it is unlikely that the actions taken during this SOE will yield the results the public deserves.”
The POA urged the Government to prioritise proper resourcing and support for the prison system, stressing that such measures are essential for the success of the SOE and for restoring public confidence in national institutions.
