Crime remains one of the most challenging topics facing the nation.
Prime Minister Stuart Young addressed the issue on Thursday in Chaguanas, revealing a slew of strategies aimed at introducing changes that will make it easier to apprehend criminals.
Speaking at a Political Meeting in Chaguanas, he said the first item in the arsenal to combat crime will be a reform of the process used to appoint a Commissioner of Police.
“We are going to simplify the process. It is time; in our writing of the next chapter, we break hold of those shackles, and we find a way to implement a new appointment of Commissioner of Police that is a simpler process. That finds the best fit, not necessarily rising through the ranks, but if you are the best person for the job, you get the job.”
The Prime Minister noted that the fight against crime can be herculean, and requires personnel who are highly trained and trustworthy.
“To fight crime, you need an elite squad — a squad of people with the best training, what I call the Elite Squad. A squad of people who, on a consistent basis, are subject to polygraph and for testing as to integrity.”
He said the squad would be under the command of the Police Service and supported by the Defence Force, with the highest level of tactical training.
The Prime Minister also stated that legislation would be introduced to allow undercover officers to operate without the risk of prosecution.
“We need greater accountability for the law enforcement leadership. We need laws that when you get all of these resources, you’re more accountable to the population. Once you’re doing what is right, you’re fine. We want higher penalties for law enforcement infringements because too often we’re hearing about extortion, so the law needs to move with that as well.”
Prime Minister Young said the Government is working to strengthen any weaknesses in the law and in joint police and military operations in order to make it harder for criminals to operate.