The Police Complaints Authority (PCA) has suggested that closed circuit cameras be placed at strategic locations in all police stations.The idea is one of several changes to help improve public confidence in the Police Service that were suggested by the PCA's director Gillian Lucky, at a meeting with senior police officers at the Police Administration Building, Port-of-Spain, last Wednesday.
In a press release yesterday, the authority said Lucky suggested cameras be placed in the front desk, the charge room and the holding cells of all police stations.She also said the cameras must be in proper and constant working condition.Lucky also suggested that the police provide her organisation with a photo database of all police officers to assist in the identification of officers under investigation by the PCA.
Another recommendation proposed by Lucky was ensuring that the TTPS was more thorough in gathering of evidence and in the conduct of enquires during its investigations."She said the Police Service be mandated to preserve crime scenes of fatal shootings involving the police to allow PCA investigators to conduct independent and thorough analysis of them.
In response, Police Social and Welfare Association secretary Sgt Michael Seales commended Lucky's ideas as being innovative and dynamic but noted that the association must be consulted if they were to be implemented."The association took note of what was said but the views of the association must be considered in everything that is being done in regards to the Police Service, particularly in regard to its members," Seales said.
He said most of Lucky's recommendations fell within the purview of the Police Commissioner but said the issue of the photograph database with officers' personal information would have to be discussed with the association.Lucky had previously suggested that police officers wear body cameras while on duty to prevent false accusations by members of the public.
The project, which aims to provide expert advice and assistance to help improving the criminal justice system, is part of a tripartite agreement between the Canadian Government and United Kingdom's Crown Prosecution Service.