Officers commended for their hard work

COMMISSIONER OF POLICE Gary Griffith commended police officers for their hard work for 2020 and lauded them for their combined effort to reduce the crime rate overall by 30 per cent.

In a release, and a video message, the commissioner said despite challenges and various forms of opposition, police were able to reduce the murder rate to 395 for the year, from last year’s figure of 539.

He also pointed out there were major reductions in serious crimes which included rape, robbery, break-ins, robberies, kidnappings and road traffic fatalities.

He added that the police service launched the gender-based violence unit; increased recruit intake at the Police Academy from 100 to 200; promoted 300 police officers from ranks of corporal to assistant commissioner – making it the first time in ten years that all vacancies in the first division were filled - closed several high-profile investigations; established the police forensic laboratory, issued 1,500 firearm users licenses, ten times the usual amount; and introduced tazers, pepper spray and other non-lethal measures for policing.

The commissioner pleaded with the public to return their faith and trust in the TTPS and the decisions made by the law enforcement professionals.

“I also give my renewed assurance that I will continue to do all in my power to ensure the integrity of the service and its service personnel remain a priority,” Griffith said.

“To all the citizens, I look forward to your continued support in the fight against criminal elements who seek to disrupt our peaceful way of life. To all the hard-working, committed and brave police officers, your service to your fellow man is deserving of heartfelt thanks.”