Carnival 2018 a success

CARNIVAL 2018 has been deemed a success by Gold Commander for Carnival 2018, acting DCP Deodat Dulalchan.

He made this announcement yesterday at the media briefing at the Police Administration Building, Port of Spain.

“We did in fact conduct tremendous work,” Dulalchan said.

“It is not to say that we were not in any way affected with the crimes that we have had, but when we take everything into account, we would say yes, 2018 Carnival was a success. These offences, we would have tried our best to ensure we minimise criminal activities, but we now have to deal with the SRCs (serious reported crimes) which have occurred.

“There were 21 SRCs for Carnival 2018, which represents an increase of five from Carnival 2017. This represents the second lowest number of SRCs in the last six years.” Asked about police who reportedly did not show up for Carnival duties, Dulalchan said, “Unlike the previous year, when a 20 per cent absenteeism rate was recorded amongst officers rostered for duty, this year it stood at 16 per cent. I was very happy that for 2018 we would have had approximately 16 per cent of our officers who did not show up for duty, which is four per cent less than 2017.”

When asked if the absenteeism had any impact on policing for Carnival, Dulalchan said, “From a planning perspective, the deployment of officers for Carnival duty, must take into consideration the possibility there may not be a full turnout of officers, on legitimate grounds. In instances where an officer fails to report for duty, without just cause or the requisite approval, disciplinary action follows. Of the 5,000 Carnival strength there was an absence of 808 officers. It will not really affect the effective management of Carnival. I don’t know and I can’t say if it was legitimate sick leave they were on.”

He said the police usually ensured that any officers who were absent had submitted sick-leave certificates.

“If they breach any regulations we usually take disciplinary action against them.”

In relation to Carnival 2018, Dulalchan said five divisions had no serious crimes reported: Tobago, Northern Division, South Western, North Eastern Division and the Western Division.

He said a total of 438 vehicles were wrecked during the Carnival period, and outside Carnival activities, there were 11 SRCs reported, three fewer than 2017.

“Other offences recorded include one wounding in South, one shooting with intent in the Southern district, larceny from the person – three, two larcenies, nine robberies, one rape, two homicides, and two people were held for possession of marijuana for trafficking.”

He said from midnight on Carnival Sunday to midnight on Carnival Tuesday, 145 people were arrested for various offences, with 96 formally charged, and 49 assisting in outstanding enquiries.

Dulalchan said the police carried out approximately 2,000 patrols, 139 road blocks and exercises, 18 DUI exercises, 18 DUI arrests, 46 tickets issued for driving above the speed limit, 99 tickets issued inclusive of speed, ten firearms and 63 rounds of assorted ammunition recovered, and 49 camp-sites were visited.