Top cop hits the beat, goes on night patrols in various divisions

The day after Police Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher addressed the country on its increasing murder statistics, saying she understood the need to account to the citizens but was focused on leading the police service, she donned her tactical suit and stepped out with her subordinates.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, captioned, Top CoP Hits the Beat, there were photographs of Harewood-Christopher with her officers in North, North-Central, North-Eastern and Western Divisions, with special attention to Ariapita Avenue, Woodbrook, Port of Spain.

The post said Harewood-Christopher interacted with drivers, pedestrians, business owners, and residents to find out their concerns.

In a 16-minute video sent the media on Friday night, the Police Commissioner broke her silence on the country's surpassing 300 murders, saying she understood the need to account to the public. However, she found directing the activities of the police of greater importance.

She called on law-abiding citizens to partner with the police to reduce crime.

“I stand resolutely with the over 10,000 men and women who I lead to confirm the challenges of the future to ensure a safer and more secure TT. We will persist in our work to get the results we desire, the results that the country is demanding of us. We will not relent and we will not fail."

Harewood-Christopher added that a way to address repeat offenders was to use ankle-bracelet monitoring, calling it innovative measures.

“This state of affairs warrants the consideration of innovative and unprecedented legislative interventions to deal with firearm possession and violent crime. Perhaps it is time to consider outfitting persons granted bail for firearm possession and violent crime with an electronic monitoring device to assist the police in problem of repeat offenders."