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Serious crime is no longer closet material but is now fashionable. The bandits and murderers are on the ‘catwalk’ displaying their designs openly, whilst we are reduced to being the measly terrified audience gripped with fear, wondering which one of us will one day be unwillingly hurled onto the crime stage to be an unrehearsed victim in the ongoing charade.
Within the last 6 weeks, 3 police officers were murdered and whilst we mourn the loss of these fallen service men, I wonder if their goodly comrades are doing some deep soul searching and maybe come to the realization that a large percentage of the blame falls right at their boot tip. It may come across as being unfair for me to make this statement at such time when the police service and by extension, our entire country laments yet another senseless killing. But, we must wake up and recognize the rottenness occurring every day and not ostracized ourselves believing that all is well or that we are doing our best but ‘shit just happens’. The family of slain Police Officer Edward Williams is probably confused by the madness which caused his passing, whilst a Penal family is still stunned as to why the Police apparently refused to respond to a call from someone being robbed only because the robbery was taking place outside their boundary limits. Couldn’t they have at least made contact with the proper police station to respond since they would have had a more direct means of communication? It saddens me to now mention that the robbery victim was eventually murdered.
I earlier mentioned that my intention was never to make any comment on this issue. The reason being because of an incident involving the police which left me bewildered and shocked. I really would not like to ‘pappyshow’ the circumstances but it is my opinion that something be done quickly to improve the quality of policing in this country. Just over a month ago you may have read on this website that there was a robbery at the office of Jamar Computers, which manages the posting of this website for the Pointalive.com Team. This robbery occurred around midday. Jamar Computers is located about 45 seconds jogging distance away from the Point Fortin police station. A call was made to the station and they responded. They were informed that items were stolen and they (the police) were given some details. The investigating officers never asked for, nor documented, any specific identification like serial numbers which was readily available, never questioned the people who were around, although there is a very popular business directly opposite. However, they chose to ask those of us who were tied up at gunpoint in a back office, if we saw the get away car? For Christ sake, why didn’t they ask neighbours who were in the area? The bandits left with various items which may have made them conspicuous. In case you don’t know, the area was fairly busy at the time. Maybe someone may have made an observation which could have given them a lead in some way or the other. We were also told to expect a visit from another unit within the service by Tuesday of the following week. Well about six Tuesdays have passed since and to date, nothing. There were other shortcomings by the officers which I would not dabble with at this time. Nevertheless, we give God thanks for spared lives. Other business owners in the community identified that this is the general behaviour of the police. This attitude by our police gives the impression that either they are not serious about their job or they simply don’t know their ABC’s of beginning an investigation. My words may sound harsh but they portray emotions conjured from this unfortunate incident.
I said all that to say this which is my main point: If this is the general attitude of police officers in the country, then it should be no surprise to us that lawlessness is at the height being displayed currently. When those we expect to protect & serve act without desire for their job (and we need to let them know that it’s their job and not a courtesy service), what do we expect? Where is the accountability? Who is in charge? The criminals know that the police are easy pickings and are most forceful only when they harass and rough up non-criminals for traffic offences and use of obscene language.
It’s like Showtime for criminals with the murder rate expected to soar pass all previous years. Maybe now is a good time for the police service to review its role and strategies for providing the services it ought to. Reform Bill or not, someone need to take charge and be responsible. A system of strict accountability must be implemented from the constable level up to the Minister of National Security. The police should also improve their image to the public by being polite and put aside their normally aggressive mannerism which is displayed for you and me, who just may be parked too close to a junction when buying coconut water. If they are to be successful in the crime war, they must befriend the non-criminal element in the Society. It makes no sense hunting the evil whilst being disliked by the good. You would end up in a space of your own.
Trinidad & Tobago are small controllable islands. What we need is genuine desire from those entrusted to serve us. What is the army doing to assist? If we wait too long to act, we may only have memories of how good our communities used to be. We are in crisis. DJ |