Decrease in serious crimes for Carnival 2017

The police said yesterday there had been a 33 per cent reduction in serious crimes during 2017 Carnival celebrations when compared to 2016.

Police public information officer acting ASP Michael Jackman made the announcement yesterday at a pre-Carnival press briefing at the Police Administration Building, Port of Spain.

“Sixteen serious crimes were reported in 2017, as against 24 in 2016, and from 2012, an overall 87 per cent decrease in serious crimes were reported.”

Jackman said to ensure the security of Carnival revellers, acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams had appointed acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Operations Deodat Dulalchan as the Gold Commander, with acting ACP Radcliffe Boxill serving as the alternative Gold Commander and the Silver Commanders being the heads of the nine police divisions.

He said the Gold Commander’s mandate is to develop a national Carnival safety and security plan in consultation with stakeholders to ensure an incident-free Carnival 2018.Jackman said the police are working in collaboration with the National Carnival Commission and other Carnival stakeholders.

“This briefing serves to educate the public about safety precautions individuals and groups should exercise to assist in ensuring personal safety at pre-Carnival events and on Carnival Monday and Tuesday. While the majority of us in TT are law-abiding citizens, one must be reminded that there is a minority of persons who are bent on targeting vulnerable individuals with a view to depriving them of their hard-earned property and causing harm and trauma.

“When leaving a Carnival event, ensure that your group walks you to your vehicle, especially if the vehicle is parked in an unlit or lonely area. If you find yourself in a dangerous situation, your first choice and best option should be to escape if possible. Trust your instincts and listen to what your intuition tells you. Take all precautions necessary to protect yourselves.”

Visitors to TT were also reminded that they should always have a form of identification with them when attending activities.

Asked about the possibility of banning glass bottles during the Carnival season, Jackman said there are ongoing discussions between the NCC and people assigned to manage Carnival events on the police side.

“In due time that information will be made public,” he said.