Sandy announces new plan to fight crime

National Security Minister Brigadier John Sandy announced strong measures Thursday to deal with the recent gang-related murders in Trinidad and Tobago.

He said one of the measures would be an increased police presence on the streets.
Sandy said Cabinet has agreed to a new policing initiative project that will involve a partnership with reputable private security firms. The goals would include: 

• reducing crime and victimisation
• providing a citizen-centred service
• becoming a model of efficiency and effectiveness
• providing improved road safety

"When we have patrols, foot and mobile, on the streets and in the communities, it means, therefore, they can respond quicker, having regard to the fact that information will be relayed to them on the beat," Sandy told reporters.

Sandy said the management of the police service and senior officers will be trained and retrained to deliver on the "new thrust" of the Police Service.

He acknowledged that there could be some resistance to the plan. "Once there is an element of change, there must be some resistance because they would have felt comfortable in their comfort zone."

However he was confident that the service will mange through its "teething problems". Sandy said the plan involves better station management.

He minister also spoke about the need for police officers to be more respectful in their communcations with citizens. He noted that he himself has heard complaints from Beetham residents that police officers treat them like dogs.