Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says Government’s anti-crime strategy is being rolled out with a focus on strengthening the country’s security services and increasing the presence of law enforcement in communities.
He was speaking on Saturday during an interview on Talk City 91.1 FM and said the strategy also includes social interventions aimed at young people and families, while Government is moving to address what he describes as weaknesses in the deportation system.
Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander says the first step in implementing the anti-crime plan is filling gaps within the country’s security services.
Speaking with Cherrylene Lewis on the show Women’s Perspective in Islam, he says police, prison, fire and immigration services have experienced challenges, and argues that technology cannot replace the human resources required to respond to crime.
The Minister says another component of the plan is the deployment of mobile units at strategic locations.
He says their role extends beyond providing a visible security presence, with officers expected to build relationships with schools, churches, businesses and communities.
Minister Alexander also addressed immigration policy, saying Government intends to change the law to prevent deported persons from quickly returning to Trinidad and Tobago.
He says there are legal avenues for people to enter the country and contribute, but those involved in serious criminal activity should not remain.
He says the anti-crime strategy must go beyond enforcement, with Government also targeting the social factors that contribute to crime through programmes involving families, young people and communities.