Gibbs says Warner didn't breach rules

File: CoP Dwayne Gibbs

Police Commissioner Dwayne Gibbs told reporters Friday National Security Minister Jack Warner did not breach the Police Standing Orders on Wednesday when he contacted Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) South Fitzroy Frederick to ask for a police presence in Debe during the demolition of the Highway Re-Route Movement's camp.

Gibbs said while the command structure flows out of the Commissioner's office ACPs in divisions have the authority to do the policing in those areas.

"We do have an Assistant Commissioner of Police who runs that division and is the point person for anything that goes on in the southern division, certainly, he responded to the request provided to him," Gibbs said.

Gibbs did not wish to comment beyond what his office stated in a media release earlier in the week. That communication said: "At no time was the Commissioner of Police apprised or consulted that there would be the removal of the Highway Protest camp." Warner confirmed that and said he spoke directly to the police in south Trinidad.

Gibbs said he would be working with the new minister to tackle crime, adding that he agrees with Warner on the need for police to be more sociable with those they serve and engage in the community. Gibbs said, "the purpose, of course, is to provide not only professional policing but also to ensure what we are doing is to provide the best service for the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago."

Gibbs said although the minister isn opposed to the 21st Century Policing Initiative he wants toi keep some of its components. "We will be moving forward especially to ensure that the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago receive the best policing that they can get from the officers that we have. We have had many good results from that 21t Century Policing Initiative," he said.