T&T police service needs additional 1,600 officers

Deputy Police Commissioner Maurice Piggott has said the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is short of 1,600 officers.

Speaking at a town meeting in Arouca on Wednesday night Piggot noted that the shortage is compounded because some officers are abroad while others are on various types of leave.

He said the plan is to expedite the recruitment process and hire up to 800 officers a year. He also said the police service is looking into advanced technology for its operations.

He also spoke about plans to deal with gang-related crimes. “We should be tapping into their not-so-traditional sources by focusing on the youth. That is where the gang leaders get their pool,” Piggott told his audience.