Minister of Defence Wayne Sturge is defending the Government’s proposed Special Operations Bill, arguing that enhanced powers are necessary to target violent and gang-related crime.
Speaking on TTT’s Focus morning programme, Sturge rejected suggestions that the legislation could create a police state, asking instead whether citizens would prefer what he described as a “bandit state.”
We have more in this report.
Minister of Defence Wayne Sturge is defending the proposed Special Operations Bill, saying the country cannot allow criminal gangs to control communities.
Speaking on TTT’s Focus morning show, Sturge rejected concerns that the proposed legislation could amount to a police state.
Minister Sturge says the legislation is intended to provide enhanced powers for targeted operations in areas experiencing an escalation in violent crime.
He says a closed area would not automatically mean an entire community is placed under restrictions.
Under the proposed framework, the President would have to be satisfied that public safety and peace are threatened by specified forms of serious and violent crime, and that ordinary law-enforcement measures are insufficient.
Minister Sturge also addressed concerns about people being arrested and detained under the proposed powers.
He says the proposed legislation would also provide for monthly reporting and an annual report to Parliament, while decisions under the framework could be challenged through the courts.