Griffith: Barataria police station not being shut but being realigned

Police Commissioner Gary Griffith is insisting the Barataria Police Station will not be shut down but will be realigned to deal with specific aspects of crime and criminality.

He made the statement during a meeting with Barataria/San Juan MP Saddam Hosein and members of the San Juan Business Association (SJBA) on Wednesday.

The association had expressed concern about the possible closure of the station and the possible fallout. But Griffith told the members the move to realign is in keeping with international best practices and is in keeping with the transformation of the police service into 21st century policing.

In a statement to the media, the police service said the station is being repurposed to be able to host virtual courts and other specialised units such as the Gender Based Violence Unit and Sexual Investigations Unit.

"The CoP underscored that the obsolete physical reporting of crime is not necessary, especially since the launch of the TTPS app and online reporting which directs all reports of crime to the designated units to be investigated and treated with.

"The Commissioner encouraged the SJBA and its burgesses to utilise these platforms in order to access the services of the (police service)."

The statement said Snr Supt North Eastern Division (NED) Winston Maharaj reiterated what Griffith said and revealed his new plans to treat with the association's concerns.

Maharaj said the NED, on Friday, will revamp its Traffic and Patrol Unit which will focus primarily on easing traffic congestion and dealing with errant road users.

"These foot patrols will also have a calculated approach to businesses and their

security. Snr Supt Maharaj pledged that the NED’s senior officers will be on the ground to treat with all concerns and will engage burgesses on how to easily use the (police service's) online platforms.