POLICE PRESENCE - A TOOL FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT

Bravo to T&T for staging a safe and enjoyable Carnival celebration. The Police Service, Defense Force and the Ministry of National Security must be commended for their commitment to the belief that they could make things safer, and for their collaborative efforts to achieve their goal.

Now that the Commissioner of Police and his colleagues have proven what police presence can accomplish they should be motivated to expand their operations.

The COP should intensify his focus on the escalation of death and destruction on the roadways. It is likely that a major contributing factor is reckless driving, especially by those who keep trying to break the sound barrier, but it has to be due partly to the lack of law enforcement.

I offer a few suggestions in the belief that a change in the modus operandi will be fruitful.

1. It is imperative that Government makes an investment in the safety of the people by providing adequate funds to enable the Police to do the job that is required. The roadways are used by everyone, regardless of ideology or affiliation, therefore, the allocation of monies should not be the object of political gamesmanship.

2. Careful planning must be done to maximize the use of scarce resources. Whereas there were more than 4000 police officers on the streets in a concentrated area for carnival, it is obvious that such a show of force is impossible countrywide.

3. Establish a pilot program utilizing mobile offices (site trailers) that can be placed on concrete blocks. These modular structures would serve as "depots" and allow manpower to be more readily available where needed.

These units come in various sizes. For example, a three office module would approximate 10' x 44' containing a room 10' x 21' which could be used as a "Charge Room" and communications center; another 10' x 13' which can serve as a rest area with two bunk beds, with remaining space to accommodate a small refrigerator, microwave, storage cabinet and toilet. The structure should be adequately fenced in, complete with a gate for security when it is not being used. The compound must be illuminated brightly, contain sufficient space for a few police vehicles, and easily identifiable by a conspicuous "Police" sign prominently displayed to be seen from afar both day and night. There are smaller units which can be utilized based upon need.

4. Manpower and equipment. My concept is to staff the depot with 2 indoor officers at all times while it is open; 4 motorcycle officers and 2 divers. Equipment should include 2 motorcycles, one squad car, a computer and printer in addition to regular telephone equipment, and cellphones, with the capability to also function as walkie-talkies, one to remain at the depot and the others to be carried by those on patrol. This walkie-talkie like feature will be invaluable to officers who might be in hot pursuit of suspected perpetrators.

In the daytime 2 motorcyclists can be assigned to travel in opposite directions, turning around at designated points, crossing each other at frequent intervals, with short stops at vantage locations for surveillance. They would certainly add constant police presence. At night one car, manned by 2 officers for safety, can make patrols intermittently and can otherwise be "on call" at the depots. The squad cars should be fitted with emergency roof lights which, except when parked during surveillance, can be on so that all will know it is the police. This will serve as a deterrent.

Police officers assigned to such depots could be rotated frequently in order to avoid the feeling of being "stuck" or being bored. The Commissioner might even ask for volunteers and offer incentives. Those on actual patrol should have their shifts broken into 2 spells so they may have respites to ensure that they are alert on the roads.

5. Every police officer must be issued with bullet proof vests for their protection.

6. Every day, HQ should e-mail to the depots an updated list of vehicles reported stolen to aid the officers in apprehending those in possession of stolen property and to help owners to retrieve their vehicles before they are chopped up for black-market parts.

7. The hours of operation of the depot should be determined based on professional judgment of the COP and his officers.

8. Recently, the COP articulated a six-point plan to combat crime. Some of these could be complimented by the depots.

9. Perhaps locations along the Churchill Roosevelt and Uriah Butler Highways could be used to launch such an experiment but the Police Department is the competent authority to make that determination.

As crazy as these suggestions might sound, such an undertaking could allow areas hitherto without meaningful patrols to benefit from the program which would tantamount to adding Police Stations throughout the country at costs that would otherwise be prohibitive, if even funds were available. I think it would be well worth the time and expenditure to explore the feasibility of such a venture. If workable, it would deter crime, speed up response time to traffic accidents and other road problems, but, most importantly, it would help to save lives.Â

Selwyn P. Nimblett
Brooklyn, N.Y.
selwynpnimblett@aol.com