Senior Reporter
sascha.wilson@guardian.co.tt
On the heels of gun attacks on a prison officer and a police officer, Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Social and Welfare Association head ASP Gideon Dickson yesterday called on officers to be on “red alert” and to keep their guards up at all times.
Condemning the attacks, Dickson said, “Straight out, the association condemns the attack made by those persons who have criminal intent on any member of the public and more so on any law enforcement official. What occurred this morning in Barataria, we will not accept. What occurred over the weekend, where an officer’s home was shot at, we will not accept.
“What is occurring in Trinidad and Tobago presently in terms of the activities of those with criminal intent to take the lives and utilise firearms to inflict harm and fear on our law-abiding citizens, we will not accept. It is time for this to stop. It is time for this to come to an end.”
Dickson’s condemnation and warning came hours after the driver of the Deputy Prison Commissioner was shot and injured while in his car outside the senior officer’s Barataria home. The suspects came out of a car and opened fire at the driver, who is also a prison officer, hitting him twice on his arm.
Last Sunday, the home of a 36-year-old police constable at Sunrees Road, Penal, was shot at around 8.30 pm. The officer was at a relative’s home when he heard the explosions and saw bright lights in the bushes behind the house.
After the shooting ended, he checked and found five spent 9 mm shells scattered on the floor of his garage and bullet holes in a wooden door of his house. The officer is assigned to the South Western Division. Guardian Media visited his house yesterday, but no one appeared to be home. Officers from the Penal Police Station are investigating.
Dickson said because of these incidents, he and his association stand in solidarity with police investigators in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
“And we will spare no course in supporting our officers as they engage all those with criminal intent,” Dickson said.
He urged all officers in the protective services to stay on red alert and to take nothing for granted. Dickson called on them to be vigilant at all times.
“Ensure your life, your livelihood and your family life are, in fact, protected,” he added.