[UPDATED] Estate police head after killing: We need bulletproof vests

Estate Police Association (EPA) president Deryck Richardson has offered condolences to the family of security officer Shami Soogrim, 61, who was shot dead outside his workplace in Chaguanas on Thursday night.

Richardson said the association was trying to get details of the tragedy. The association is saddened by his passing. We are not sure about the circumstances of this killing, but we are making all attempts to get the information as to whether he was carrying a gun or was wearing a bulletproof vest,” Richardson told Newsday on Friday.

“We have always advocated for all officers, precepted or not, to have a vest for their safety.”

Richardson again called on the authorities to remove all taxes and duties on bulletproof vests, adding he had hoped the Finance Minister would address the issue in Monday’s budget.

“Criminal elements attack officers, precepted or not. These elements recognise the person standing in their way might want to stop them from doing what they want to do, Richardson added.

“The association has always advocated for, and on behalf of the unprecepted officers, to have vests. We call on the authorities to make vests cheaper.”

Soogrim worked with Transit Protection Services Ltd.

On Thursday at around 8 pm, he was shot in the car park of Massy Stores at Brentwood in Chaguanas. Soogrim, of Edinburgh 500 in Chaguanas, died on the spot.

Central Division and Homicide Bureau of Investigations (Region III) visited and gathered evidence.

No one has been arrested, and investigations are ongoing.

This story was originally published with the title "Security guard shot dead at Chaguanas workplace" and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

A security guard was shot and killed outside his workplace in Chaguanas on Thursday night.

Shami Soogrim, 61, worked with Transit Protection Services Ltd.

The shooting happened in the car park of Massy Stores at Brentwood in Chaguanas on Thursday at around 8 pm.

Soogrim, of Edinburgh 500 in Chaguanas, died on the spot.

Central Division and Homicide Bureau of Investigations (Region III) visited and gathered evidence.

No one has been arrested, and investigations are ongoing.