Neglect by previous gov't has demotivated police: Sandy

National Security Minister John Sandy told Parliament on Wednesday police in Trinidad and Tobago are "totally demotivated" because the previous Manning PNM administration ignored them.

Sandy was making his contribution to the budget debate in the House of Representatives.

The minister also noted that the police service is short by more than 1600 officers.

Sandy spoke about the work police have been doing and told MPs that many officers perform beyond the call of duty while being denied an opportunity to negotiate for increases.

Commenting on the state of crime in the country, Sandy said official figures show a decrease in various aspects of crime in the three months since the People's Partnership took office.

With respect to kidnappings, police were able to quickly rescue three victims on the same day of the reported abductions, he said.

Sandy also welcomed the new Police Commissioner, Canadian Dwayne Gibbs, who has not yet taken up duties. He said he expects that with the arrival of Gibbs there would be significant changes.

He explained that Government has adopted a multi-pronged approach to the crime problem, including the creation of “victim-friendly police stations and a Security Network Commission involving private security companies".

He said it is unacceptable that many women who go to police stations to report crimes against them are treated more like perpetrators than victims.

Sandy also said not all PNM crime fighting plans were bad and noted that he will soon implement a strategy for Morvant/Laventille that involves preventative crime measures and community rapport to deal with the youth.

The minister also spoke about the Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) which were ordered by the PNM administration. He said the acquisition is still incomplete and is expected to be reviewed.