Eavesdropping law coming: Joseph

National Security Minister Martin Joseph told the Trinidad and Tobago Senate Tuesday government has drafted legislation that would allow authorities to eavesdrop on telephone and other forms of communication.

The Interception of Communications Bill is part of an omnibus legislation which would also include an Anti-Gang Bill, an amendment to the Bail Act and a Security of Information Bill.

The legislation was drafted by a committee chaired by Gillian Lucky to study recommendations contained in a report done for the Government by HCR International Security Ltd of Calgary, Canada, headed by retired Major Gen. Cameron Ross.

Joseph told the Senate cabinet has accepted 275 of its 300 recommendations, noting that since the report’s first draft, various security agencies have strengthened operations.

He said there is now a 29 per cent detection rate in gang-related murders and a 21 per cent murder detection rate for 2009 as opposed to 16 per cent for the same period last year.

"However we’re seeing increased murders associated with altercations, robberies, domestic related matters,” Joseph added.

Joseph also told the House 29 police officers are currently under suspension and 249 have been charged with various offences.

He said while he has his personal views on what should happen the authorities have to abide by the law.

Commenting on plans for improving security, Joseph spoke of “a comprehensive” amendment to the Defence Force Act to include a policing role. He noted that this is patterned after security measures taken in countries like the United Kingdom and the United States.