Minister of National Security Stuart Young told graduating police officers that the Police Service is under significant scrutiny after recent events, which includes the killing of five people, including two teenagers, in Laventille, as he urged them to carry out their duties faithfully.
He was speaking at the passing out parade for new recruits at the St James Police Barracks on Wednesday.
“A lot has been happening in our law enforcement field and also our country and at this time the citizens of T&T, I dare say, more so than any other time in our history, are looking towards the TTPS and the other arms of law enforcement,” said Young during his address to the new police officers, “Within recent times the TTPS has been under a level of scrutiny and I’d dare say we as citizens and certainly me as the representative of the government and Minister of National Security, are counting on each and everyone one of you who are now entering the TTPS to carry out your duty, dutifully, passionately, and faithfully.”
Police Commissioner Gary Griffith presents recruit presents PC Chad Paul from the D Squad with the Commissioner of Police Trophy and the Best Stick during TTPS passing out parade at the Police Academy, St James, yesterday.
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Young said the TTPS had been subject to criticism following the fatal shooting of five men by police in Laventille last Thursday, but he continued to support the officers given the dangers they regularly face on the field.
The police officers involved in that shooting incident claimed they shot the five people in self-defence but relatives of the deceased said they were playing cards when they were confronted by the police and shot. Each of the victims was shot in the chest, an autopsy report found.
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley had issued a statement hours after the incident, around 3.30 am, supporting the police officers and pleaded with young men to put down their weapons.
“There has been a lot of talk in the past week as the leadership of the TTPS pushes back at the criminal element. The leadership of the TTPS and you the men and women of the TTPS, have our full support. Because we recognise and know the dangers you face,” said Young.
National Security Minister Stuart Young inspects the parade followed by Police Commissioner Gary Griffith.
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He referred to the murder of security guard Kerwin Williams, who was shot dead during a robbery at a Debe shopping mall on Tuesday, to reinforce the need for a diligent Police Service.
“In the last week or so, we’ve had a number of incidents taking place in T&T, including up to yesterday (Tuesday) the life of an innocent security guard taken in one fell swoop by a criminal element in T&T. And as a citizen, I stand here today and say that is unacceptable.”
He, however, said officers must conduct themselves in a lawful manner.
“I will say this. Corruption in TTPS will not be tolerated. In fact, corruption in the public service, in this administration is not to be tolerated. This Government has made it part of our mandate, and part of what we have been doing over last three years to find and root out as much corruption as we can.
“You are the newest addition to the TTPS and coming in with a clean slate, so we expect you to provide that backstop.”