Sandy putting police on the beat in fight against crime

National Security Minister Brigadier John Sandy plans to increase the visibility of police officers across the country, putting them on the streets and in all communities.

Sandy says that will happen from next week despite the shortage of officers. He told reporters he will make every effort to find the necessary resources to serve the public better and "reclaim the country" from criminal.

He also plans to make use of Defence Force personnel for a special program to interact with schoolchildren, hold sports meetings, family days and other activities "to nurture the young minds who will be the future of this country".

According to Sandy, “Crime is not only fighting offences and felonies. We have to start with the youngsters. We need to approach it from a multi-pronged attack or assault on crime.

"It requires us not only having police officers on the streets, but it requires us being in the schools as well in uniform. It has an effect on the youngsters because at present we are competing with guys on the block with five chains and so on. We need to get real role models out there for them."

He added that one of his goals is to get "the young ones to emulate persons in uniform rather than look to the gangsters who pose with their five thick gold chains, gold teeth, fancy brand clothing, and instead learn to respect elders and set goals by working hard.”

Sandy is also considering a plan to enlist thousands of Estate Police officers and security guards in the fight against crime.

He said, “I want them to be the eyes and ears and assist their brother police officers to reclaim this country from the hands of the lawless, and I am asking every God-fearing citizen to assist us as we embark on this journey to make Trinidad and Tobago the place where our children and families can live without fear.”

He admitted that a safer and more secure Trinidad and Tobago will not come overnight but he said that is what he aims to do and he will pursue it relentlessly.

Sandy gave the assurance that he won't arbitrarily end any police programs, saying that he plans to improve those that are working well.

One of the immediate problems the new minister faces is the lack of human resources. The Police Service is operating on half of its actual strength. He says he plans to begin a recruitment drive as soon as possible to bring the service up to strength.