SOCIAL SECTOR INVESTMENT PROGRAMME
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SUSTAINING GROWTH, SECURING PROSPERITY
CHAPTER 3: NATIONAL SOCIAL SITUATION
The Ministry of National Security, which has
primary responsibility for Pillar 3, National and
Personal Security, undertook several initiatives
geared towards the fulfillment of its mandate.
Outlined hereunder are the Ministry’s major
achievements for fiscal year 2013, which have
been classified into two major areas: Enhancing
Law Enforcement and Community and Youth-
Based Activities:
1. E
NHANCING
L
AW
E
NFORCEMENT
Some of the major initiatives employed by the
TTPS to enhance law enforcement are detailed
below:
A. Capacity Building – Increase Presence &
Training
Commencing March 06, 2013, an initiative
labelledOperationHOPE -Harmony,Opportunity,
Peace and Enforcement was implemented in
Morvant/Laventille, Beetham Gardens and Sea
Lots, due to the increasing crime rate, especially
gun-related homicides. The initiative involved
joint army/police patrols in these areas.
The TTPS has commenced the recruitment
process to enlist approximately 5,000 Special
Reserved Police (SRP) Officers. Currently the
total enrolment of SRP recruits receiving training
is 501 persons. Additionally, 295 regular Police
Officers have been recruited to augment the
human resource capacity of the Police Service.
In an effort to advance investigative capabilities
to improve the crime solving rate, particularly
in respect of homicides and other forms of
serious crimes, the TTPS has commenced
the recruitment and training of Crime Scene
Investigators (CSIs) to supplement its Homicide
Investigations Bureau, as well as training
officers to harvest DNA from crime scenes.
To date, 47 persons have been trained as CSIs
and certified with an additional 15 to complete
training by September 2013. In addition, 38
officers have undergone training with regard
to harvesting DNA from Crime Scenes, with
another 40 persons set to be trained over the
coming months. These trained personnel can
have significant impact on the detection and
solvency rates of the TTPS.
B. Traffic Management
In keeping with the new traffic management
plan, Traffic Bays have been constructed along
theUriahButler andSolomonHochoyHighways.
These Bays will allow Police Officers on mobile
patrol to better manage traffic flow. There are
currently 18 Bays, of which ten are equipped
with cameras. This initiative also serves as a
deterrent to speeding and to those who might
be inclined to drink and drive.
C. Addressing Human Trafficking
As a result of the passing of the Trafficking in
Persons Act 2011, a Counter Trafficking Unit was
established at the Ministry of National Security.
This Unit is staffed with Immigration and Police
Officers.
D. Construction of Police Stations
During October to December of fiscal 2013, work
commenced on the construction of eight police
stations in Arima, Piarco, Maloney, Cumuto,
Brasso, La Brea, Oropouche and Moruga. The
major aim is toensure thedeliveryof securityand
peace keeping services in those communities
and improve the working conditions of the
Officers.
