[UPDATED] 97 arrested for crimes against children

The police Child Protection Unit (CPU) has laid 247 charges and made 97 arrests for 2019, acting Asst Supt Claire Guy-Alleyne said yesterday.

Addressing the media at the Police Administration Building, Port of Spain, Guy-Alleyne said the work done at the unit was vital and continued to have an impact.

However, she said the police needed the co-operation and support of parents, guardians and caregivers to protect children.

“We emphasise preventative measures to ensure the nation’s children are kept safe and we are well equipped to prosecute when offences are committed.

“We continue to conduct outreach programmes in partnership with our stakeholders, which include government ministries, non-governmental organisations, schools, youth organisations and churches.”

Guy-Alleyne said parents, guardians and caregivers should have proper supervision for children during the upcoming long vacation, and pay attention to the camps they plan to send their children to.

“This includes health and safety inspection of the facilities, ensuring that persons handling food and beverages are in possession of food badges and that the environment is clean. Parents are cautioned against going on vacation trips and leaving their children alone or leaving children in the care of other children. This is a form of parental neglect, and is against the law.”

Guy-Alleyne also said parents had a duty to monitor their children’s online activities and access to digital content, and urged them to be mindful of their children’s social media persona: “How they represent themselves and who they are friends with on different platforms. Sexual predators and other questionable persons use these forums to lure, incite and groom children.

“Children who seek validation via social media are more vulnerable to online bullying and entrapment. Advise them to avoid disclosing their location and itinerary. Regulate the amount of time your child spends online, and enforce clear and specific limitations.”

Guy-Alleyne said if someone was the parent/guardian of a child who has been sexually abused in any way, the law mandates that person to make a report to the police.

She reminded that the possession and distribution of child pornography was an offence.

“Section 40 of the Children Act, Chapter 46:01 states that any person who knowingly makes or permits to be made any child pornography, publishes, distributes, transmits or shows such content commits an offence and is liable on conviction on indictment to fine of $30,000 and to imprisonment for ten years.”

This means, she said, “If you receive images or content depicting sexual activity involving children and you forward, broadcast or post it, you can be prosecuted.”

Guy-Alleyne said if someone was found guilty of a sexual offence, the fine was $15,000 or a sentence of up to seven years, or both a fine and imprisonment. A child cannot consent to sexual activity.

She also said the law also addresses the issue of obstructing prosecution and under the Sexual Offences Act, someone who prevents a minor from giving a statement to the police or testifying about a sexual offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $20,000 and up to ten years’ imprisonment.

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

Police attached to the Child Protection Unit (CPU) have laid 247 charges and made 97 arrests for 2019, acting Asst Supt Claire Guy-Alleyne said today.

Addressing the media at the Police Administration Building, Port of Spain, Guy-Alleyne said the work done at the unit was vital and continued to have an impact.

However, she said the police needed the co-operation and support of parents, guardians and caregivers to ensure the protection of children.

“We emphasise preventative measures to ensure the nation’s children are kept safe and we are well equipped to prosecute when offences are committed.”