CoP: Show concern for police too

Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith via a TTPS release called for the public to show concern for “police officers who risk their lives daily” in a release sent to the media yesterday.

The release comes after three people were killed in an alleged shootout between police and gunmen last Friday.

Pictures were accompanied with the release which showed an officer suffering from welts after allegedly being shot in the vest by an unknown gunman.

“This shows that someone used an illegal weapon and shot at a Police Officer. No one is discussing this. This means that a criminal element tried to kill a Police Officer in cold blood whilst he was performing his duty on patrol. No one is discussing this,” said the release.

The release said last Friday police were confronted with “a hail of gunfire” when they were on duty and conducting inquiries.

“They were using semi-automatic rifles, in a virtual ambush to kill three police officers. Still no one is discussing this,” the release said.

The release knocked critics of the police service calling them supporters and sympathisers with criminal elements and gangsters, and pointed out that their comments did not help to reduce crime.

“I have a police service ready and willing to put their lives at stake and take on these criminals, in defence of their country and law abiding citizens. These gang members and shooters do not care who it is, and would kill anyone, even police officers, but it is the officers who are constantly being judged and crucified by some.”

The release also said that TT was a “virtual war zone” but the public seemed to want the TTPS to go out and defend the country with their hands tied behind their backs.

“Those who benefit from crime and criminal activity, or are sympathetic to criminals, would want this unfair advantage; so their views do not count. The Commissioner is hoping that law abiding citizens understand their responsibility and know that the lives of police are at risk daily. The police cannot fight back with kid gloves, but it would be done within the law.

The shoot-out which occurred at about 7.30 pm on May 3 left three dead, including 14-year-old Naomi Nelson.

Her funeral is expected to be held on Monday, at L’anse Mitan, Seaview Gardens in Carenage.