Let’s fix the police first

THE EDITOR: We can try a million things to deal with crime in TT but if we don’t fix the Police Service first, all attempts will be futile.

Last year, I recall a high-powered committee was set up by the Government to look at the police and make recommendations on manpower issues. A report was submitted to senior government officials including the Prime Minister and the Minister of National Security.

What has become of the findings and recommendations? Are they lost like so many others reports? Was it a waste of taxpayers’ money and professionals’ time?

It was thought then by the leaders, and this remains the situation today, that the number one issue is the readiness and ability of the police to deal with crime.

If the major crime-fighting organisation is not getting its business right, do we really expect to win the fight against crime? No wonder crime flourishes left, right and centre across the country. No community is spared, it seems.

I am sure the police would have contributed to this study and would have made recommendations. I am also certain many officers want to see an improvement in the service. Why the silence and apparent inaction in fixing the police at this time? Appointing a commissioner of police is just one area to fix.

I read that there are hundreds of officers under investigation. There are many other areas in the Police Service crying out for attention. What are our leaders really doing? The country has placed hope in them three years ago.

ROGER T HAMILTON via e-mail