T&T gov't not paying any money for private security as part of crime plan

National Security Minister John Sandy has clarified the government's position on the use of the country's 20,000 security guard as part of Trinidad and Tobago's attack on crime.

On Saturday opposition leader Keith Rowley said the government was using the guards to favour three top officials who have an interest in security companies.

He charged that the government will spend millions on private security personnel who have not be trained to do police work.

However, Sandy made it clear that Rowley got it wrong.

He said any private security company that becomes a part of the Government’s initiative will be doing so on a voluntary basis and will not be paid for their services.

Sandy told the House of Representatives on July 16 the guards would serve as “eyes and ears” to help the police detect crimes.

The minister reiterated that in an interview with the Newsday newspaper adding that the Government has met with the heads of 12 private security companies to date and eight have agreed to partner with the Government in this initiative.

He was emphatic that no one is getting paid and those who have come on board have done so on a volunteer basis. He said security guards will not be required to go on patrol or do police work.

In fact they would only be expected to be more vigilant and report to police any crimes or suspicious activities taking place within the areas where they are assigned.

Sandy said the security personnel would be able to reach police quickly through a wireless communications network connecting all police stations and vehicles.
Legislation to establish the network will go to Parliament shortly, he said.

Gary Griffith, National Security Adviser to the Prime Minister said private security firms partner with the police in Europe and North America to combat crime. He noted that they are ideal to assist since they already have additional human and other resources such as weapons and communications.

Rowley spoke about Griffith - without naming him - as one of the people who would benefit from the use of private security guards. However Griffith told the paper he cut ties with his security company after taking up his government post and added that Rowley is "barking up the wrong tree".