Focus on alcohol to cut crime

THE EDITOR: Many studies conclude that alcohol is strongly linked to violence. Alcohol is a factor in 40 per cent of violent crimes.

These statistics and the research involved are why possessing a gun while drunk is largely illegal. It’s not so much aggressiveness but that decisions/judgment that would normally be held in check are reduced under consumption of alcohol.

This doesn’t mean we should ban alcohol completely. That would be disastrous. But there are policies the Government could take up to limit alcohol-related problems. More public education, alcoholism assessments and treatment programmes need to be implemented to reduce violent crimes in TT.

Alcohol intoxication is responsible for a number of offences including domestic violence and road accidents. Crime is the most serious problem facing our country today and the number, type and seriousness of crimes are dramatically impacted by alcohol.

Alcohol reduces a person’s inhibitions and judgment and leads to them being easily agitated and angered.

No substance is involved in more homicides than alcohol because it makes a person more likely to commit violent acts and even increases the severity of those acts.

Alcohol is also used by sexual predators to decrease the inhibitions of their victims or even incapacitate them so that they are unable to resist.

Alcohol use is the third leading risk factor for premature deaths and disabilities in the world. Therefore there must be zero tolerance for driving under the influence.

Here in TT there must be stricter regulation of the number of outlets selling alcohol, days and hours of retail sales must also be regulated, and there must be a more rigid alcohol licensing system.

SIMON WRIGHT
, Chaguanas