National Security Minister retired Major General Edmund Dillon yesterday viewed two samples being proffered by the Police Service Social and Welfare Association as the new uniform of the Police Service.
The uniforms, which were described as that worn by officers in first world countries, consisted of a French blue shirt with black pants and another with a dark blue shirt and dark blue pants.
The samples were offered by the association's executive during a two-and-a-half hour meeting with Dillon at the Ministry of National Security, Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain.
Among the other issues discussed was a new remuneration package for Special Reserve Police officers; the establishment of a Police Management Authority (PMA); the creation of a Police Inspectorate and new legislation to deal aggressively with persons suspected of being involved in domestic and international terrorism.
Emerging from the meeting, which he described as "very interesting," president of the association, Inspector Anand Ramesar, said Dillon would be setting up an inter-ministerial committee to look at how quickly the change could be made from the old to the new uniforms.
He said during the talks which had proven to be enlightening, the minister had assured the public would also have an opportunity to indicate their opinion regarding the new uniforms.
Having called on Dillon to ensure that suitably qualified persons were selected to head the PMA, Ramesar hoped the association would be consulted before any final decisions were made.
Regarding the new remuneration package for SRPs which will include improved salaries and backpay, Ramesar said they had been asked by Dillon to provide the relevant documents so the necessary action could be taken to move the process forward.
On the topic of nationals who were reportedly leaving local shores to align themselves with the international terrorist organisation Islamic State (IS), Ramesar said a hardline approach was needed.
He added: "We have asked the minister to look at criminalising the issue in relation to persons who are found to be engaging in activities that promote terrorism both at the domestic and international levels.
"For the association, that is something we want to see because regardless of what we do, we need a legislative framework that would improve our teeth in responding to persons who are amenable to that kind of unhealthy and criminal behaviour."