‘If I get funds, I will spend wisely’

Executive members of the TTPS said the much-touted transformation of the service has been stumped by the failure of the Ministry of Finance to release money in a timely manner, five months after the budgeted allocation.

Senior officers said all the plans by Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith to bring TT policing into the 21st century, especially at a time when the country is dealing with sophisticated criminals, cybercrime and an unprecedented murder rate, have been stunted.

Officers complained that since the budget last year, only funds to meet salary obligations have been released. No releases have been made to the Police Finance Branch to pay for a range of goods and services, including for maintenance of vehicles and equipment, uniforms, training, medical vouchers or for Tasers and pepper spray.

“The situation is really, really bad,” said a senior officer. “We can’t even get money for the basic things.” The officer pointed out that since Griffith’s appointment last August, he has been able to bring about changes to the morale of officers and speculated on how much more could be achieved if money was released for training and equipment.

“It is hard to transform the service without money, five months into the fiscal year. If we are serious about fixing crime, funding has to be priority,” the officer said.

Contacted yesterday, Griffith said it was not appropriate for him to comment at this time.

“I have a budget allocation and, if, and when funds are distributed to the police service, I will use those funds in an effective manner. Prior to any funds being deposited to the TTPS, I prefer not to make any comments.”

Griffith directed Sunday Newsday to National Security Minister Stuart Young and Finance Minister Colm Imbert. Imbert did not responded to calls, but in a text message asked, “Which newspaper do you work for?”

Neither Young nor Minister in the Minister of Finance Allyson West responded to calls or text messages as to the state of allocations for the police service.

Criminologist and former head of the Police Service Commission Professor Ramesh Deosaran said this was a matter that needs a quick remedy in the public interest and for supporting the plan that the commissioner has.

“This does not build public confidence to hear that the basic amenities and the financial support required are not forthcoming from the Government,” Deosaran said yesterday.