Top COP not giving up, blames gangs for murders

Last week Trinidad and Tobago's minister of national security passed the buck and shifted responsibility for the skyrocketing homicide rate to the police commissioner. Martin Joseph said he is only supposed to provide the crime fighting resources for the police.

Now acting Commissioner James Philbert admits that criminals are giving police a hard time but he isn't giving up.

Philbert told reporters gangs are the biggest problem, noting that of the of the 83 murders recorded up to Monday this week, 77 were gang related. And he admitted that his Evangelical initiative launched last year is not working.

Philbert and some pastors had met with gang leaders and offered them a fresh start if they gave up a life of crime and turned to God. Police even set up a hot line for criminals to call. Instead, gangs are growing.

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"There is a new surge taking the forefront with gangs, the older members who want to come forward are having challenges," Philbert said.

"We are still working hard at restoring public confidence. There is too much talk, action is needed," Philbert said.

He also said kidnapping is on the rise again and cautioned people to be more vigilant, especially with children.