Despite threats of a massive sickout action by police officers for Carnival Monday and Tuesday, a confident Police Commissioner Dwayne Gibbs is reassuring that the strength of the Police Service would not be depleted during the two days. Gibbs was speaking at a media conference at Police Administration Building, Port-of-Spain, yesterday. Police sources said some 4,000 police officers were expected to be deployed throughout T&T during Carnival Monday and Tuesday.
They would be supported by some 1,500 Special Reserve Police Officers (SRPs). the source added.
Members of the Municipal Police also are expected to enhance the strength throughout the various divisions. The number of municipal officers vary, according to the division, some may have between 25 to 30 officers or less, the source said. Soldiers also would be working in tandem with the police, conducting joint army/police patrols, Gibbs said. He added: "There has been some concern raised by various quarters, regarding the availability of officers for the Carnival festivities.
"Rest assured, as customary, all available resources have been called in for the season." Part of the Carnival strategy planning was examining certain risks, including the fact that not all officers would not show up for duty, the top cop said. "But I believe fully that we have many dedicated men and women within the T&T Police Service who know that it is very important to be out during Carnival, doing their jobs," he added. He said officers also would be vigilant for drunk-drivers and people using cellphones while driving.
More policemen for J'Ouvert
A heavy police and army presence is expected to be in Port-of-Spain from 3 am, one hour before J'Ouvert celebrations are expected to kick off. Uniformed and plainclothes officers would be moving throughout the various bands, looking for illegal weapons. Officers also would be deployed at City Gate, conducting searches for people wanting to enter Port-of-Spain with narcotics. Roadblocks would be done along the highways and other routes leading into Port-of-Spain. Surveillance also has been stepped up at the Piarco Airport by members of the Organised Crime, Narcotics and Firearms Bureau (OCNFB.)
Some OCNFB officers also will be deployed along the coastlines in a bid to curb the illegal narco-trade which is expected to increase during Carnival activities. Deputy Police Commissioner in charge on Operations, Jack Ewatski, has been appointed gold commander for Carnival. Describing T&T's Carnival as "unique because of the size and scope of the activities," Ewatski said there were certain "universal events" which were incorporated into the planning, such as disaster management. "We will be using a significant amount of technology to assist our officers and will be working closely with various stakeholders, including customs and fire officers," Ewatski said.
Some of the operational activities established by the police for Carnival 2011:
• To minimise opportunities to commit crime and disruptive behaviour;
• to minimise traffic congestion to the travelling public;
• to provide high visibility around Carnival and Carnival-related events as well as non-Carnival areas, including coastlines;
• to provide enhanced public safety and to preserve public order; and,
• to provide courteous, tactful and responsive service to the public.