TTPS October - December, 2016Community
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03 Message from the Commissioner of Police OCTOBER - DECEMBER 201605 Editor’s Note 11 0806 Know Your Divisional Commanders 15 1808 Community Policing – Solution for a Safer Trinidad 39 43 and Tobago 4711 Prime Minister Opens New St Joseph Police Station – PoliceServiceTT TTPoliceService www.ttps.gov.tt Hails Police Officers as ‘Hardworking’13 CSP – Impacting Communities through Positive Interventions15 Introducing Body-Worn Cameras in the Police Service18 Criminal Profiling22 Using Intelligence to Disrupt Gangs24 Inkless Fingerprinting and its Impact on Crime Detection26 A Homicide Cold Case Unit29 INTERPOL Bureau – Trinidad and Tobago Police Service31 Skimming and Other Types of Fraud33 Making Safe Online Purchases35 ‘Cookies, Brownies and Magic Mushrooms’ – How drugs are being marketed37 Children’s Authority & Child Protection Unit – Collaborate to Support Children and Families39 Protecting Our Children from Harm41 PYCs – Dampening Effect on Crime43 CID Tobago Works to Maintain the Island’s ‘Paradise’ Status45 The Police Complaints Authority (PCA) – Who we are and what we do.47 Using Hemostatic Bandages to Save Lives in Trinidad and Tobago51 Speed Enforcement Efforts Taking Aim at Reducing Road Deaths53 OLEP – Supporting the Development of Law Enforcement54 Police Academy Buttressing the Recruiting Experience of the Police Service
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Dr. Simon Alexis Publisher 04 Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Editor Ellen Lewis Head Corporate Communications Content Co-ordination and Sponsorship Myrnelle Ahyoung-Thompson Eshe Jewel Bruce Proofreading ASP (Ag.), Karen Lancaster- Ellis Crime and Problem Analysis Branch ASP (Ag.), Michael Pierre Barbara Balroop Auditor, Internal Audit Unit David Riley Writers Snr. Supt. (Ag.), McDonald Jacob Port of Spain Division Ret. Snr. Supt. Cyril Harry Case Review Specialist, Homicide Cold Case Unit Insp (Ag.), Beverly Paul Child Protection Unit 14336 Cpl. (Ag.), Lyndon Fraser 13659 PC Gary Nicholas Criminal Gang and Intelligence Unit 16494 Cpl. Lincoln Balkaran Criminal Investigations Department and 7539 PC Brent Batson Road Safety Coordinator Stakeholder Contributors Police Complaints Authority Children’s Authority Citizen Security Programme Photography 13335 Cpl. (Ag.), Nigel Stephen Coordinator Audio Visual Unit Photography Unit Art Direction/ Graphic Design Kenneth Henry Printers Scrip- J Contact Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Police Administration Building Cor. Edward and Sackville Streets Port of Spain Fax: (868) 625-7133 www.ttps.gov.tt TTPS Quarterly is produced by the Corporate Communications Department, Trinidad and Tobago Police Service All rights reserved. Trinidad and Tobago Police Service must be appropriately credited for any partial reprint or duplication of this magazine.
Editor’s Note n this second issue of theTTPSQuarterly, we opened Ellen Lewis our pages to our partners and stakeholders to Head - Corporate Communications contribute an article on a subject or topic of their choosing. The result - a more diverse array of perspectives is represented in this issue. For instance, the Police Complaints Authority writesabout its statutory duty to investigate allegations ofcriminal misconduct made against officers; the Children'sAuthority hails the work of the agency in safeguarding theinterests of children in collaboration with the police;OLEP- Office for Law Enforcement and Policy hones in on theirwide berth of responsibilities and highlights some of theirsignal achievements and theCitizen Security Programme,an important partner in the area of community policing,focuses on their support of programmes aimed atinstitutional strengthening and capacity building in theTrinidad andTobago Police Service.It is the desired expectation that theTTPSQuarterly wouldeventually come to provide a different platform fromwhich stakeholders can articulate their views and positionson a varied number of subjects.These shared perspectivescould perhaps lend themselves toward solutions to theunderpinning issues which have given rise to an increase incertain types of crimes inTrinidad andTobago.Also in this issue: we focus on community policing and itsimportance as a law enforcement strategy; we alert you tohow drug dealers are finding creative ways to target ourchildren; advice is provided for persons when shoppingonline and we expose the threat to your ATM accountthrough a type of credit card fraud known as, 'skimming'.In addition, the impact on road safety since theintroduction of speed measuring devices, is reported on.As usual, we hope you enjoy reading the TTPS Quarterlyand welcome your ideas and suggestions for a betterquality publication. Email us at publicaff[email protected]. 05
Know YourDivisional Commanders* *The Commissioner of Police in the exercise of his authority, may from time to time, make administrative changesNorthern Division Divisional HeadquartersSnr. Supt. (Ag.)McDonald Jacob Tunapuna Police Station Eastern Main Road, Tunapuna. Email: [email protected] Telephone Contact: (868)663-3882(O) (868) 489-4497(M)Tobago Division Divisional HeadquartersSnr. Supt. (Ag.)Joanne Archie 3rd Floor, Police Administration Building Scarborough Police Station Young Street, Scarborough, Tobago. Email: [email protected] Telephone Contact: (868)635-0075(O) (868)708-0205(M)South Western Division Divisional Headquarters High Street, SipariaSnr. Supt. (Ag.)Inraj Balram Email: [email protected] Telephone Contact: (868)649-2343(O) (868) 728-9333 (M)Eastern Division Divisional HeadquartersSnr. Supt. (Ag.)JohnTrim Sangre Grande Police Station Cor. Eastern and Toco Main Rd., 06 Sangre Grande. Email: [email protected] Telephone Contact: (868)668-5274(O) (868)722-2543(M)
Southern Division Divisional Headquarters Police Administration Building Court Street, San Fernando.Snr. Supt. (Ag.) Adeline St. Louis-Pesnell Email: [email protected] Telephone Contact: (868)652-2510(O) (868)727-4866 (M)Western Division Divisional HeadquartersSnr. Supt. (Ag.) Basdeo Ramdhanie St. James Police Station Lazare Street and Western Main Road, St. James. Email: [email protected] Telephone Contact: (868)628-8377(O) (868)727-3071(M)Central Division Divisional HeadquartersSnr. Supt. (Ag.) Kenny Mc Intyre Chaguanas Police Station Cor. Railway and Main Road, Chaguanas. Email: [email protected] Telephone Contact: (868)665-5324(O) (868)708-1765(M)Port of Spain Division Divisional HeadquartersSnr.Supt.(Ag.)FlorisHodge-Gri th 9th Floor Riverside Plaza Besson Street, Port of Spain. Email: Floris.Hodge-Gri [email protected] Telephone Contact: (868)624-4410(O) (868)727-3212(M)North Eastern Division DivisionalHeadquarters Morvant Police Station Corner Lady Young Avenue and Busby Street Morvant.Snr. Supt. (Ag.) Surrendra Sagramsingh Email: [email protected] Telephone Contact: (868)625-3283(O) (868)732-1732(M) 07
– SOLUTION FOR A SAFER TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO This principle was established by Sir Robert Peel former United Kingdom Prime Minister and the man considered the father of modern policing. Often referred to as a Peelian principle, it is widely accepted as the seed of community policing. ommunity policing is, in essence, collaboration between the police and the community that identifies and solves community problems. With the police no longer the sole guardians of law and order, all members of the community become active allies in the effort to enhance the safety and quality of neighbourhoods. It focuses on crime and social disorder through the delivery of police services that includes aspects of traditional law enforcement, as well asprevention, problem-solving, community engagement, and partnerships. The community policing model balances reactiveresponses to calls for service with proactive problem-solving, centered on the causes of crime and disorder. Importantly, to beeffective, it requires police and citizens to join together as partners.What is significant about the model of community policing practiced worldwide, is that society has long come to accept – thatthe solution to crime and adherence to order – is a shared construct. That there is a primary role for the police but of no lesserimportance is the role of the individual and the community in contributing to their own sense of safety and security.In Trinidad and Tobago, whilst the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service informally practiced community policing 08
and subscribed to its philosophy, it became institutionalised as a community and keep open lines of communicationpolicing strategy on November 26th 1996 when then between citizens and the PoliceService;Commissioner of Police, Noor Mohammed, issued a Police • To give leadership and support to activities in theDepartmentalOrder establishing a community policing section community which will lead to human betterment andwithin the service. progress; • To helpdevelop and maintain relationships between theDepartmental Order No.211 of 1996 defines community police and community groups, organisations andpolicing as: schools;“The police and the community working together to help solve • To collaborate with members of the community inmutually defined problems through a deliberate effort aimed at developing crime reduction programmes;reducing crime, violence, fear, insecurity and community • To work with educational institutions (technical,decay”. vocational and academic) to improve relationships with youths in the community;The purpose of community policing is outlined as follows: • To help communities resolve their problems; • To create, maintain, and enhance a partnership between • To assist in maintaining a positive public image of the the police and the communities in order to reduce crime Police Service. and increase the level of safety and comfort for all citizens; Today, all nine police divisions have properly functioning • To have all police officers sensitised about the philosophy community policing units whose functions are derived from of Community Policing so as to provide services the purpose and objectives of the section. consistent with the concept; • Toprovidetheserviceswhichearntherespect,confidence, Community policing is integral and central to achieving and active support of the community; the vision of a safer Trinidad and Tobago. In this regard, • To improve the quality of life throughout the communities divisional commanders are mandated by the ofTrinidad andTobago. Commissioner of Police to hold monthly Town and Station Council Meetings; school liaison officers haveThe objectives of community policing are as follows: been assigned to all primary and secondary schools; • To promote an understanding of the role of the police in Police Youth Clubs (PYCs) operate throughout the the community; country; a PYC Extravaganza is held annually; Neighbourhood Watch Groups continue to be • To develop a closer working relationship with the 09
expanded to new communities;Police Band Outreach Concerts arestaged throughout the countryannually and then there is themuch lauded Hearts and MindsProgramme, which operates inLaventille and East Port of Spain -these are among a host ofprogrammes and initiatives beingpursued by the TTPS gearedtowards improving relations withcommunities at the ground level.Under Commissioner of Police(Ag.), Stephen Williams,community policing has beensignificantly advanced as a lawenforcement strategy not only toenable the police to better integrate Commissioner of Police (Ag.),StephenWilliams, speaks at a recent town meeting whilstand gain acceptance in DeputyCommissioner of Police -Operations (Ag.), Deodat Dulalchan, listens attentively.communities but as a means ofbuilding trust and public confidencein the Trinidad and Tobago PoliceService.Ellen LewisHead – Corporate Communications1 Bureau of Justice Assistance Understanding Community Policing A Framework for Action, U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs,19942 Office of Community Oriented Policing Services; http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/Default.asp?Item=363 Centre for Problem Oriented Policing, University of Albany4 No.211 Departmental Order,1996 10
Prime Minister, The Honourable Dr. Keith Rowley, following the P rime Minister, Dr The Honourable Keith Rowley,unveiling of the cornerstone at the new St. Joseph Police Station, on has hailed the ‘vast majority’ of police officers asFriday 25th, November 2016. ‘hardworking and well intentioned’. The PrimeAlso photographed: Minister of NationalSecurity,The Honourable Maj. Minister saluted the men and women in blueGen. (Ret.) Edmund Dillon, Minister of Health, The Honourable when he delivered the feature address at a ceremony toTerrence Deyalsingh, Commissioner of Police (Ag.), Stephen Williams formally commission the new St. Joseph Police Station, onand pupils of theTrinidad Muslim League PrimarySchool,StJoseph. November 25th, 2016. But whilst the Prime Minister acknowledged the outstanding officers within the ranks of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, he exhorted the Commissioner of Police (Ag.), Stephen Williams, to “ruthlessly remove from the Police Service persons found by him to be unsuitable’. He cautioned that ‘failure to remove the bad apples is to encourage wrongdoing”. The Prime Minister in turn called on the public to support the 11
work of the police, observing that persons had become so ‘brazen’ that - Conference Roomthey were posting images of themselves brandishing firearms on social - Parking (covered and uncovered);media. He noted that only citizens of the ‘highest calibre’ should be The St Joseph Police Station is the ninth stationenlisted in the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and called for a more built by UDeCOTT on behalf of the Ministry ofrigorous recruitment process. The Prime Minister asserted that only the National Security and follows those built atpolice can rebuild lost trust in the service. “ If the public does not trust the Arima, Arouca, Maloney, Cumuto, Brasso Seco,police … no amount of vehicles, new stations or increase in salary will bring Oropouche, La Brea and Moruga. Underway areabout better policing”. the construction of new police stations atThe Prime Minister disclosed that a “comprehensive, across the board police Besson Street, Maracas and Carenage.manpower audit” will soon be conducted to determine how officers arebeing deployed and how they could best be deployed or redeployed. Heexplained that assistance in this regard, would be sought from the Britishand appealed for ‘open-mindedness’ and ‘full co-operation’ during theaudit exercise.In addition, the Prime Minister revealed that government was seeking toboost community policing, with the introduction of community policingunits in all 14 Regional Corporations.The objective being, according to thePrime Minister, to bring policing services closer to the citizenry.Minister of National Security, Major General (Ret.), The HonourableEdmund Dillon, who delivered remarks at the opening, said governmentaimed to strengthen public confidence in the police, whilstsimultaneously tackling an escalating crime situation. He said “over thepast year, the government has intensified its efforts at modernizing thecapabilities of theTrinidad andTobago Police Service. Our objective is to createan organization that is more efficient, better equipped with greatertechnological sophistication, international standard training as well as a highlevel of professionalism”.However, Minister Dillon pointed out “all the resources – by themselves – willnever be enough…without the partnership and support of the people. We arecommitted to providing the necessary resources to equip law enforcementagencies to deal with and eliminate crime, while at the same time encouragingpublic confidence in theTrinidad andTobago Police Service aimed at fostering abetter relationship with the citizenry”.In his remarks at the opening, Commissioner Williams told the audiencethat there is no better way to trigger the motivational process of policeofficers than by enhancing the environment in which they work. Inresponse to a reporter’s question following the unveiling of thecornerstone at the new facility, Commissioner Williams said he welcomedthe manpower audit into theTrinidad andTobago Police Service.St Joseph Police Station Basic Info:The St Joseph Police Station was built at a cost of TT$33.6Mn andconstruction began in June 2014. It comprises two floors - with a floor areaof 1681 sq. m.The project was designed to provide amenities that include: - Control Rooms - Property and Ammunition Storage - Gymnasium - Kitchen and Dining Area - Dormitories - Library and Offices - Officers’ Quarters and Lockers - Cells and Holding Bays - Armoury 12
Gregory Sloane-Seale MSc. psycho-emotional support for officers by their peers who Programme Coordinator would require some level of intervention, but who for whatever reason, were not accessing the social work Citizens Security Programme (CSP) support already established. To date the feedback has been very positive from theTTPS and the Police Academy further he Citizen Security Programme (CSP) began its educated trainers in Peer Counselling to continue this useful implementation phase in April of 2008 after tool throughout the ranks. designing a programme that had the following main In 2010 the CSP collaborated with the TTPS on the objectives: establishment of the Victim and Witness Support Unit (1) Reduce levels of homicides, robberies and woundings, (VWSU) funding specialised training in Trauma Response, (2) Increased perception of safety, Mediation, and Narrative Therapy. In addition, CSP (3) Reduce injuries related to Firearms, Child Maltreatment, facilitated office refurbishment and the procurement of DomesticViolence and Juvenile Delinquency office furniture and equipment. This project continues to be (4) Increase in the collective efficacy to prevent violence instrumental in supporting victims of crime and with itsIn order to achieve these objectives the CSP has as one of its community outreach philosophy has also improved thethree components Capacity Building of the Trinidad and perception of the TTPS as a proactive customer focusedTobago Police Service (TTPS). This includes, inter alia, institution.financing activities to increase public confidence and enhance CSP conducted a Police Youth Club (PYC) Impact andpolice/public interaction; rehabilitate identified police stations Organisational Assessment for 2006-2010 the outcome ofto provide customer friendly reception areas, electronic which were a series of capacity building partnerships withinterview rooms; establish the Victim and Witness Support various PYCs which facilitated the acquisition of audio/visualUnit and provide counselling support services to officers equipment, sports and recreational equipment and thethereby reducing work related stress. purchase of an 11 seater bus for the St. James PoliceYouthIn 2010 through 2013 the CSP funded the hiring of eight Club in 2013.additionalTTPS SocialWorkers to treat with the growing need In 2016, through a partnership with UWI the CSP fundedof officers who engage in an increasingly violent and volatile Police Youth Club Leadership and Organisational Trainingnational environment. for 192 club leaders in areas of proposal writing, projectIn 2014-15 Peer Counseling Training for 278 First and Second management, financial management, monitoring andDivision Officers was funded by the CSP to provide frontline evaluation and working with youth in difficult circumstances etc. 13
CSP also collaborates with the Inter-Agency Task Force’sHearts and Minds Programme funding community drivenintervention strategies, providing specialised training inmediation, trauma reduction and working with “high needs”communities etc.Earlier in 2016 the CSP purchased a 24 seater bus for theIATF to assist in transporting community residents theyserve to various points of interest throughoutTrinidad in acontinued effort to facilitate positive change in the lives ofpersons in “high needs” communities and buildingstronger ties with the residents they serve.In 2012, CSP funded the construction of the GonzalesJoint Community Service Centre and later its outfitting.The project was executed in collaboration with theOffice of Law Enforcement Policy OLEP. Thismulti-purpose facility houses a Community PolicePost, VWSU/counseling room, computer room andtraining/meeting room for the residents of Gonzalesand environs. This centre, together with theBeetham Joint Community Service Centre forms anew progressive direction of the police service Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Glenda Jennings-Smith, at a recent ceremony to handover a bus to the Citizen Security Programme for which CSP Programme Co-ordinator, Gregory Sloan-Seale, was on hand to receive. working with the people they serve as collaborators for positive change one community at a time. The CSP continues to be committed to reducing crime and violence through evidenced based coordinated collaborations with all stakeholders both government, non-government and community based. Only by understanding the underlying riskfactors and approaching them in a focused and collaborated manner would Trinidad andTobago as a nation be able to transform our nation into a peaceful and progressive society. 14
Sumit Kumar echnological innovations have impactedFellow, Cambridge Center numerous facets of policing. In recentfor Evidence Based Policing years, Trinidad and Tobago Police Service T (TTPS) has been on the forefront of technological innovation. In the past three years, TTPS successfully implemented an evidence-based, GPS enabled Hotspot policing strategy on a national scale. Its next step is to adopt a policy of providing its officers with the opportunity to wear, BodyWornCameras (BWCs). This initiative reinforces theTTPS position as leader in innovation and implementation of evidence based policing practice in the Caribbean and South America. The global discourse on the use of BWCs gained momentum in 2014, after two high profile cases involving police officers in the United States of America. One was the shooting of Michael Brown by Officer Darren Wilson in Missouri. Another was the death of Eric Garner following a chokehold by Officer Daniel Pantaleo in NewYork. Both officers were not indicted of any crime. There was a public outcry as a result of the non-indictment, the politicians and civil society called on the NYPD to outfit police with BWCs, in the hope that recording interactions would deter unwarranted and disproportionate use of force. This sentiment resonated with the public mood. On December 1st 2014, President Barack Obama, announced $263 million in federal funding to allow law enforcement agencies to “purchase body worn cameras and improve training.”This emphasis on BWCs was later reinforced in the report of the President ‘Task Force on Policing’ (TheWhite House, 2015). 15
Members of theCentral DivisionTask Force outfitted with BodyWornCameras (BWC) during an actual police exercise as part of the pilot phase testing the use of the BWC.– Dr Barak Ariel,University ofCambridgeThe developments in theUnitedStates are in keeping with the police use of force and complaints against police) for ageneral perception of unwarranted and disproportional use of quasi-experimental study. 52 officers belonging to theCentralforce by police across the world. Globally, BWCs have come to DivisionTask Force were trained in the use of BWCs. After thebe seen as a counter instrument to this problem (Independent, training, all 52 officers were equipped with their personal2016). The adoption of BWCs by the TTPS represents this BWC.global expansion in using technology to counter the problem They are mandated by virtue ofTTPS Departmental Order 75of police use of force. Commissioner of Police (Ag.), Stephen of 2016 to use the camera every time they leave policeWilliams, engaged the Cambridge Center for Evidence Based premises while on duty, in uniform, riding in a Divisional TaskPolicing to initiate a quasi-experimental study on the use of Force (marked) Police Car, doing their usual work of patrollingBWCs in Trinidad and Tobago primarily for evidence in the crime hotspots, conducting stop and search exercises,reduction of the following: executing arrest warrants, searching homes when executing search warrants, enforcing traffic laws, engaging in any 1) Use of force by police officers; civilian interaction and any other tasks. 2) Civilian complaints against police officers; The TTPS, having endorsed an evidence based practice, has 3) Injuries to police officers, intentionally inflicted by put an elaborate mechanism to target, test and track the BWC project. The Information Technology (IT) unit of TTPS is civilians; mandated to store and analyze the data based on the rules 4) Firearm discharges aimed at police officers; and regulations of administering BWC as laid down in 5) Civilians hit by bullets fired by police officers. Departmental Order 75 of 2016. The BWC project in Trinidad andTobago is currently in its infancy but it is hoped that BWCsCentral Division Task Force (CDTF) was selected as the will have a positive impact on policing inTrinidad andTobago.experimental division and Northern DivisionTask Force (NDTF)was selected as the control division (matched on the scale of 17
Snr. Supt. (Ag.) Port of Spain Division, C riminal profiling is a term frequently used in the McDonald Jacob Trinidad andTobago Police Service (TTPS), as a tool to assist in combating crime. Several senior officers MPhil. Criminology and Criminal Justice in their lectures and discussions with junior officers University of the West Indies often loosely use the term when advising officers of the need to profile victims and/ or offenders, depending onBachelor of Law (LLB) University of London the nature of the investigation. There is a strong belief that Crime and Intelligence Analyst this activity of profiling should be confined to specialised units such as the Criminal Gang and Intelligence Unit (CGIU), Special Branch and the Crime and Problem Analysis (CAPA) Branch. However, profiling should be a basic day-to-day activity carried out by police investigators in all reports of crime. 18
Criminal profiling is the process of identifying behavioral Geographic Profilingtendencies, personality traits, geographic location and This is an investigative methodology that uses the locations of ademographic or biographic descriptors of an offender based connected series of crimes to determine the most probable areaon the characteristics of a particular crime.The primary goal of where an offender lives (Rossmo, 2000).The birth of geographiccriminal profiling is to narrow the field of possible suspects to profiling emerged from a particular crime investigation thata limited number from the hundreds or thousands of possible initiated the idea that an offender may target victim’s specific tosuspects. In essence, criminal profiling is a form of prediction their geographical locations. Geographic profiling waswherein a profiler attempts to predict who the offender might developed to help police locate serial killers, rapists andbe on the basis of crime scene information and the arsonists, and today is also being applied to many other crimebehavioural patterns or habits of the offender or victim. types such as robbery and burglary where an unidentifiedPsychological Profiling person is known to have carried out crimes at a series ofPsychological profiling refers to a behavioural sketch of an geographic points (Chainey, 2002). Geographic profiles areindividual who may or may not be a suspected offender.The compromised from both quantitative and qualitativeprocess of psychological profiling involves integrating components.The quantitative aspects of the profile use a seriesinformation and evidence from the crime scene with of scientific geographic routines and quantitative measures topsychological theory to arrive at a sketch of the perpetrator’s interpret the point pattern created by the offender’s crime sitebehavior and personality. Investigators create this profile in locations.These crime locations can include not only the offencethe absence of physical evidence or eyewitness descriptions, location, but also the sites of victim abduction, assault andor to supplement such descriptions. They take what they release (or body dump), if these locations are known to police.already know about an unknown suspect and his actions and The qualitative elements of geographic profiling aim totry to generate additional information. Other evidence, such understand and reconstruct the offender’s behavior andas notes left by the killer, the location of the killing, or the state movements across the areas they are familiar with and feelof the crime scene can allow profilers to develop “educated confident. Importantly, the qualitative element also aims toguesses”. These guesses might include things like the ensure that the crime incidents that are reported are part of asuspect's education level, psychological traumas he has lined series. A geographic profile can also be helped by bringingsuffered or where he lives. They are not always 100 percent in other geographic layers of information.accurate, and sometimes they can be rather vague. However, TheTTPS’ main asset which can be used to assist with profiling isif the police have no idea who the suspect might be, it gives the Police Record Management database. The processthem a starting point in attempting to identify the possible emphasizes the need for reliable and timely input ofoffender/s.Victim ProfilingVictim profiling can be defined as a set of approaches andtechniques used to predict the characteristics of anunidentified offender through investigating and analyzing theevidence obtained from the scene of a crime. By analyzing thescene of a crime, an investigator aims to understand thepersonality, demographic and behavioral characteristics ofthe offender. The characteristics obtained from the crimescene can be used to identify the behavior patterns of theunknown offender. Victim profiling generally determines thecause and effect relationship aspects between the crimescene, victim, witness and the offender. The technique ismostly used in crime scenes where the identity of the offenderis not known and in serious crimes such as murder and rape.The process uses crime scene information to create apsychological portrait of the unknown perpetrator (Muller,2000).A profiler will take information such as the state of the crimescene, nature of weapons used and what was said or done tothe victim to come up with a victim profile. In addition, it caninclude information such as geographic pattern of the crime,mode of entry and exit from the crime scene and where theoffender resides. It should be noted that a victim profile byitself will not catch a criminal or solve a crime. However, theprofile will play a big part in assisting the police in theirinvestigations. 19
information in the Police Records Management database to personal information such as deportees, wanted personseffectively promote the primary aspects of criminal and missing persons but which is not fully utilized by theprofiling. The TTPS’ Versadex Records Management TTPS. In spite of this, the areas that are populated asSystem (Versadex) is made up of several sub systems, mentioned earlier, can provide adequate profiling offacilitating informationgathering to benefit such activities individuals for investigators. It must be noted that there areas criminal profiling. The General Occurrence Incident still shortfalls within the populated areas because officersReport (GOIR) form was actually designed with aspects of who are not aware of the importance and value of the data,profiling in mind. When one takes into consideration the provide inadequate and sometimes false information whenusage of the respective forms which captures variables of completing the various data collection instruments.the victim, accused, suspect, modus operandi or informant, It is also suggested that in an effort to improve profiling in theclearly it assists tremendously with all aspects of profiling TTPS, officers should record information of suspectedfor proper investigation. For example: persons who are detained for various offences. These individuals may be subsequently released if they are not • R2 – Individual / Institution Involved identified on Identification Parade or released for other • R2a - Accused/Suspect/Known Offender reasons. This will further assist with information which will • R7 - Missing And Kidnapped Person Form enhance the profiling process. The failure of officers to • R9a – Breathalyzer [SobrietyTest] Form properly fill out the Field Interview Forms (also called StreetThe above captures data together with the other crime Check) and their failure or tardiness in completing thereport forms that can assist significantly with profiling. Progress Report Forms (Follow-up/Concluding Forms), is another example which hinders the profiling process.Another sub system of the database that should be Therefore, it is suggested that senior officers whomentioned is the criminal records, which includes all the continuously utilize the term profiling, when speaking todata and variables of persons who were arrested and junior officers, should also indicate the importance ofcharged by the police and also information that can be proficient and timely input of information in the Policeretrieved from persons who obtain certificates of good Records Management System. This approach assists with acharacter. It also adds to the availability of information for more effective and proficient profiling of individuals whetherprofiling. victims, or offenders and geographic locations of criminal activities.The database is designed to record other aspects of 21
14336 Ag Cpl Lyndon Fraser 13659 PC Gary Nicholas CGIU riminal Gang and Intelligence Unit (CGIU), of the Trinidad andTobago Police Service, was established in 2012 with the mandate to dismantle, disrupt, and develop analytical methods to tackle the gang phenomenon in Trinidad and Tobago. Policeintelligence suggest there are 179 groups deemed to begangs operating inTrinidad andTobago. 22
CGIU is an intelligence gathering agency whose main functions are as follows: a) Collect, collate, evaluate, analyze and disseminate intelligence in relation to targeted offences b) Acquire and maintain bio-data of all persons incarcerated for targeted offences (including photographs, names, addresses, associates, physical description (Forensic/Composite Artistry), etc.) c) Acquire and maintain information on all accused charged for targeted offences d) Develop and control a network of confidential informantse) Interview suspects held for targeted offencesf) Disseminate intelligence to operational units throughout the Police Serviceg) To identify criminal groupsh) To reduce homicides, robberies, shootings and wounding, stolen vehiclesi) To increase the seizure of firearms and drugsj) To carry out anti-gang education in schoolsk) To work with internal and external stakeholders in reducing crime and the fear of crimeThe Unit is structured as follows:1. Administrative2. Community/Youth Services (Gang Suppression Officers)3. Investigations -(Investigative Officers; Surveillance Officers; Intelligence Crime Analysts and Intelligence Officers) Resources and information gathering activities are coordinated and directed to areas, which pose the most significant threat to the public and the organization.Officers of CGIU are decentralized and can be found in all nine (9) Divisions. Personnel attached to this unit have receivedinternal and external specialized training in anti-gang activities, operations, investigations, intelligence and surveillance.Theseofficers are responsible for gathering, analyzing and the dissemination of information relative to persons suspected of beinginvolved in targeted offences.CGIU intelligence operatives provide intelligence to assist in the seizure of firearms, ammunition, narcotics, the apprehension ofwanted persons, and in the pursuance of investigations in other matters.The work of CGIU has seen the following persons beingcharged and brought before the courts: • Kerlan George a.k.a ‘Mice Man’ for being a gang leader and being involved in gang related activities • Anton Boney a known gang leader in East Port of Spain • Rajaee Ali and Associates for the murder of Dana Seetahal S.C.CGIU’S intelligence aids the Homicide Bureau of Investigation in the solving of difficult homicide investigations. 23
16494 Cpl Lincoln Balkaran, CID/CRO nkless fingerprinting was introduced to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) in 2013. During the three years that this technology has been utilized by the officers of the Criminal Records Office, there has been a steady increase in the detection of latent fingerprints found on a crime scene. In the first year of its introduction the department saw an increase of 22%. As at October 2016, the total has already surpassed that of 2015. Fingerprint is an impression or mark made on a surface by a person’s fingertip, able to be used for identifying individuals from the unique pattern of arches, loops and whorls on the fingertips. Fingerprints are still considered to be the best form of personal identification for criminal investigation purposes despite advances made in areas such as DNA profiling. With the introduction of inkless fingerprinting in Trinidad and Tobago over the past few years there has been a significant increase in crime detection and deterrence. Inkless fingerprinting refers to a clean, hygienic and modern method of taking a fingerprint. One method of deriving fingerprints is the use of a special inkless fingerprint pad to take impressions. Another method is the Live Scan machine that uses digital scanning. Fingers are pressed onto a small scanner attached to a fingerprinting software program that records the fingerprint and sends it to AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System). 24
Jazzmany / Shutterstock.comThe scanner photographs and records prints along with other so that fingerprint experts can verify and confirm the validityinformation like the person’s name, address and date of birth. of the match.This speeds up the process of identification andThe programme is also used to store facial photographs. Live therefore quickens the capture of criminals.Scan electronically transmits fingerprint records to the • Another benefit of inkless printing is the high quality of digitalElectronic Data Base of the TTPS in a matter of seconds. Live prints compared to ink printing. In the past contaminants suchScan machines are strategically located in the nine police as dirt, threads, and other particles on fingerprints hindereddivisions throughoutTrinidad andTobago. accurate identification of fingerprints, not to mention overTheTrinidad andTobago Police has benefited extremely from inking and under inking.With digital scanning prints are morethe introduction of inkless fingerprinting. accurate and this allows for a higher rate of identification and• One benefit to inkless printing is the use of the AFIS software subsequent arrest of perpetrators.TheCriminal RecordsOffice of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is proud of its to merge certificate of character applicants and the criminal advances in technology in the arena of crime scene processing. database into a national fingerprint database. Fingerprints • Another benefit of the use of inkless printing is the quality of found at crime scenes can be compared with fingerprints on prints that can be sent to external agencies such as INTERPOL. the national database. The merging of these two databases Prints that are processed and sent to INTERPOL are of high has contributed to higher detection of crime scene quality meeting global standards thereby allowing for fingerprinting identification. criminals to be apprehended and deported.• Another benefit of inkless fingerprinting is that it is timely • Lastly, the use of inkless printing and processing by the AFIS since it allows immediate digital scanning and processing to software allows for future referencing. With the extensive theTTPS Fingerprint Database. In the past, ink fingerprinting database of fingerprints, repeat offenders can be sourced and was time consuming since prints had to be taken to the circulated in order to create a pool of criminals that are linked divisional fingerprint offices to be scanned and processed. to specific crimes. With the introduction of inkless fingerprinting, prints are The Criminal Records Office of theTTPS continues to strive for retrieved and processed in a timely manner and fingerprints excellence and in order to meet global standards of crime can be analysed and matched to candidates on the database scene investigation has embarked on an initiative to bring in a quicker time than before. technological advancement to policing inTrinidad andTobago.• Constant reviewing of database is another benefit of inkless Inkless printing is one of the measures utilised in order to printing. The AFIS software allows for automatic reviews of achieve this goal. Inkless printing has been a source of benefit fingerprints on the database. This constant reviewing of to both the TTPS and internal and external clients because of fingerprints allows fingerprints to be compared and matched. its accuracy, speed and compatibility. Fingerprints are flagged by the AFIS software 25
Ret. Snr. Supt. Cyril Harry - Case Review Specialist ver the last ten (10) years, the Homicide Bureau of Investigations (HBI) has seen an alarming increase in the homicide rate in Trinidad and Tobago. From 2011-2015, homicides have fluctuated from a high of 420 in 2015 to 349 in 2011. In an attempt to increase the detection rate and by extension, the solvability rate, a Cold Case Unit wasestablished in theTrinidad andTobago Police Service, in January 2016.This team comprises retired police officers each having over thirty years’ experience in homicideand criminal investigations. These officers carry the title of 'Case Review Specialists' and aretasked with the responsibility of reviewing homicide cold cases from 2011 and onwards. Oncompletion of the review, files are transferred to the investigator or substitute investigator forfollow-up action with a timeline to return. Once a file meets all the requirements recommended 26
by the Case Review Specialists, the possibility is high for the identify suspects, the information or evidence can identifycase to be solved and closed. As a result, hope and a sense of possible suspects, or the initial investigation identifiedrelief could be brought to bear on the bereaved families. Before witnesses who could not be located or need to bedelving further into the subject matter it is important for the re-interviewed; Moderate, that is to say, those in whichreader to understand: preserved evidence can be processed and analysed through(1) What is a 'Homicide' (2) What is Murder, (3) What is modern technology and the Low ones are those in which noManslaughter, (4)What is a 'Homicide Cold Case' and (5)What known physical evidence or witnesses are available to help inis involved in the review/follow-up action. identifying a suspect. Emphasis is usually placed on the casesA Homicide is the killing of one human being by another. A with the High Solvability Factors and the other categoriesMurder is the unlawful killing of another human being with follow in succession.intention to kill or cause grievous bodily harm, death occurring A cold case is generally reviewed every time additionalwithin a year and a day and Manslaughter is the unlawful killing information about that case becomes available. For example,of a human being without malice aforethought. the August 2002 murder of two members of the RampersadConventional wisdom in homicide investigations holds that family at La Fortune,Woodland. In the year 2012, officers of thespeed is of the essence.The notion is that any case that is not Homicide Bureau, Region Three, received information whichsolved or that lacks significant leads and witness participation was painstakingly pursued for six (6) months, resulting in twowithin the first seventy-two (72) hours has little likelihood of persons being arrested and charged for the said murders.being solved, regardless of the expertise and resources IIn other cases, the investigator relies on the evidence ofdeployed. Over time, unsolved cases become ‘cold’. Cases witnesses, who for some reason have now decided to comemost likely to be classified as cold include gang and drug forward and assist in the investigation.There are also situationsrelated deaths; cases involving immigrants; transients; where years later, the scientific results of physical evidencehomeless or unidentified people; unclassified deaths; and become available - for example, in the form of Deoxyribonucleicunsolved police shootings. Acid (D.N.A) and ballistics.Often times, information is revealedCold cases can be seen as very difficult and frustrating cases for through sources such as 800-tips, 555 and 999.officers to solve. A rise in the crime rate means that much is It must be noted that there may not always be quick results inexpected of investigators and administrative resources in any every homicide cold case investigation. However, if thelaw enforcement agency. More crime means that fewer cases evidence is obtained during the pursuit of the investigation, theare pursued vigorously, fewer opportunities arise for follow-up, advice of the DPP’S office will be sought.or individual caseloads increase for already overworked In conclusion, the main benefit of a Cold Case Unit is that itofficers. reduces the backlog of unsolved homicide cases.The arrest ofCold cases are categorized in terms of their solvability factors, suspects in one cold case may either solve other cases (throughwhich vary in order of; High, that is to say if the witnesses can new leads and information from those suspects) or prevent new ones (by keeping killers from committing other crimes). A cold case team’s success in even one case can lead to positive feedback from a family that had been frustrated by law enforcement’s previous inability to solve the death of a loved one. The sense of justice and closure gained by the victim’s family when a case is closed cannot be over-emphasised. Even clearing previous suspects from suspicion can be helpful both to the families and the investigators. Arrests made in old cases also provide a good opportunity to present the community with a positive image of police who never stop caring about unsolved cases. 27
12674 Sgt. Herman NaraceINTERPOL Bureau, Trinidad rinidad and Tobago became a member of Central Bureaus (NCBs) worldwide and law enforcement INTERPOL (International Criminal Police agencies seeking assistance with overseas investigations and Organization) in 1964 and its Bureau falls under the location and apprehension of foreign fugitives. The local the ambit of the Criminal Investigations bureau, also referred to as the National Central Bureau (NCB) Department and Criminal Records Office (CID & is staffed by highly trained police officers. The NCBCRO) in Port of Spain. The Commissioner of Police, by contributes to INTERPOL international criminal databasesorder of Parliament, is the head of INTERPOL Trinidad and and both parties cooperate with each other on cross-borderTobago. investigations, operations and arrests. It also functions as theSimilar to the 189 other INTERPOL member countries, the liaison between law enforcement agencies of memberINTERPOL Bureau – Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, is countries, providing communication and database assistance,the national contact point for INTERPOL General because language, cultural and bureaucratic differences canSecretariat (Headquarters) in France, INTERPOL National make it difficult for officers of different nations to work together.From left to rightWPC Natasha Emamalie; PCShamSinanan; Mr. Faysel Al Mohannadi (Official from theTerrorism Desk at INTERPOLGeneralSecretariat in France); WPC Isha Felix; Ms. Ivana Jankovic (INTERPOL Project Manager forTheTrafficking in Human BeingTraining in theCaribbean) andSgt. Herman Narace (S.D.O. i/c INTERPOL Bureau –TTPS) 29
INTERPOL maintains databases of:- material (evidential or otherwise) from abroad. It alsoFingerprints, assists with some humanitarian requests such as locatingMugshots, next of kin in cases of death or an emergency situation fromWanted Persons, abroad. The bureau works closely with external Agencies,Missing Persons, such as Foreign Missions, Immigration Department;Terrorists, Customs and Excise Division; other local and internationalDNA Samples, law enforcement agencies, for the sharing and exchange ofLost/StolenTravel Documents, information. It relays pertinent information to otherStolen MotorVehicles, sections within the TTPS, as well as law enforcement andStolen Works of Art, relevant authorities and utilizes INTERPOL InternationalStolen Vessels, databases in carrying out their work.Stolen Firearms, Members of the public can also consult the localChild Sexual Exploitation Images INTERPOL if they have information that someone in this country is wanted abroad or someone abroad is wanted inOther types of information is also collected when this country or someone is committing crimes abroaddisseminated by the NCBs. INTERPOL databases help law (whether there is a link to this country or not).enforcement agencies see the “big picture” of The Bureau will investigate the information and engageinternational crimes and information from these in the appropriate communication with its counterpartsdatabases and the exchange of law enforcement abroad with a view to arrest, prosecute or treat with theinformation/intelligence via the INTERPOL channel case.globally, can assist in tracking criminals. In July 2015 officers of the local INTERPOL Bureau were commended by United States Law Enforcement, at theThe local INTERPOL Bureau assists with locating, tracing U.S. Embassy inTrinidad, for their excellent work in Fugitiveand identifying wanted fugitives and having them returned Investigations, Professionalism and Dedication to Duty into this country for prosecution or to serve their sentences. having U.S. fugitives located, arrested and returned to theThe Bureau also assists in the sharing of intelligence with USA to face prosecution.their foreign counterparts, with a view to solving crimes, The local INTERPOL Bureau is located at Policeidentifying known criminal offenders and fugitives to Administration Building, Corner of Sackville and Edwardfacilitate arrest, provide assistance to investigators with Streets, Port of Spain and can be contacted at 623-8441 orobtaining relevant documents, statements and other 727-5128 or via email at [email protected]. 30
Snr. Supt. (Ag.), Totaram Dookhie, Fraud Squad he Fraud Squad was established in 1965 to • Government Fraud - Reports where the state is deemed investigate reports of fraud and related offences. the victim and suffers a monetary or other loss also referred Fraud is described as a knowing misrepresentation to as public interest reports. of the truth or concealment of a material fact toinduce another to act to his or her detriment. TrendingMajor detections by theTTPS Fraud Squad have been made Card Fraud - Such as, credit card, Automated Teller Machinein relation to Global Credit Card fraud or skimming. (ATM) cards etc. is an increasing fraud trend. Statistics at theSkimming is similar to identity theft for debit cards:Thieves Fraud Office indicate that during the years 2014 and 2015,use hidden electronic devices to obtain the personal there were 138 and 208 reports of card fraud respectively.information stored on the card and record the personal Point-of-sale transactions with card payments are alsoidentification number (PIN) to access cash from the associated with Card Fraud.account. Several local and foreign persons in breach of the Online Shopping - Is also attracting the attention of globallaw have been arrested and prosecuted; the most recent fraudsters.case involved a deportee from the United States ofAmerica, Land - Recently there has been a significant increase in landwith residence in South Trinidad, who is being prosecuted sale transactions in which persons have been victims of fraud.on 22 charges associated with credit card fraud. Matters relative to forged deeds or obtaining by false pretences are increasingly becoming prominent.Reports of fraud are categorized in one of two ways-:• General Fraud - Reports consisting of offences with orwithout a monetary value, which is committed against anindividual or business. 31
Safety Tips• Immediately report any irregular occurrence withABM cards•Conceal/do not disclose four (4) digit pin• Keep card in view at all times• Be conscious of your surroundings• Avoid asking for assistance atATMs• Avoid conducting transactions atATMs during the night• Elderly persons should have a family member present at theATM• Inform financial institutions of planned foreign travel (departure and arrival)• Limit information and travel patterns on social media e.g. Facebook•Use reputable sites to conduct business (PayPal)•Use one email address to conduct payment re:Online Shopping• Be cautious of using pop – up sites which request personal financial information• Pay special attention before effecting payments (Verify) Black’s Law Dictionary 32
14362 Sgt. Dale Joseph, Cyber Crime Unit here has been a steady growth in online purchases cleared by locally bonded courier companies which has an estimated annual value of TT$1Bn. This is based on information provided by government in its 2017 Budget Statement. The lucrative nature of online trade makes it an attractive target for fraudsters and scam artistes. In this regard, the Cyber Crime Unit of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) makes available the following safety guidelines for consumers when shopping online. Local consumers are now accessing the internet in a variety of ways to undertake an increasingly complex range of transactions. As the number of people using mobile phones, 33
Wi-Fi, computer game consoles and other devices toaccess the internet continues to expand, the need forbetter cyber security across these devices becomesincreasingly important.TTPS has observed the fast rate of technologicaladvancement, coupled with an increase in technologybased nefarious activities. The TTPS is thereforeencouraging the public to follow simple steps to remainsafe whilst using the internet.Some simple tips to help improve online security include: • Install security software on your devices and update them regularly; • Turn on automatic updates so that all your software receives the latest fixes; • Use strong alphanumeric passwords for your online accounts and change them at least three times a year; • Verify online links and email attachments before clicking on them; • Stop and think before sharing any personal or financial information about yourself, your friends or family; • Know what your children are doing online. Make sure they know how to stay safe and encourage them to report anything suspicious.The following are some tips to make online purchases in a safe and secure manner; • Stick to trusted brands that have a strong reputation; • Use credit cards and other secure payment services instead of debit cards; • Look out for “https URL” and padlock symbols before entering your credit card information; • Be wary of dodgy online offers that are too good to be true and • Opt for your mobile phone network over publicWi-Fi when making online purchases. 34
ASP (Ag.) Vernly Gift, OCNFB new trend in drug use has been identified by the Organized Crime Narcotics and Firearms Bureau (OCNFB) of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS). OCNFB is the primary agency responsible for effectively reducing organised criminal trafficking of drugs, firearms and ammunition inTrinidad andTobago. Agencies such as the NationalAlcohol DrugAbuse Prevention Programme, Rebirth House andCaura Chest Hospital have been reporting to OCNFB that persons presenting to these institutions are found to be consuming marijuana baked in cookies and brownies. This form of consumption does not exempt the user from the traditional effects of marijuana; rather, it can be more dangerous than smoking as the user can ingest more tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) than by smoking.THC is the chemical responsible for most of marijuana’s psychological effects.35
The THC levels in marijuana are difficult to measure and so The psychological consequences of psilocybin usually includetoo are the amounts in these food products. This type of hallucinations and an inability to discern fantasy from reality.marijuana use is prevalent among the youth population, Panic reactions and psychosis also may occur, particularly if amany of whom are unable to distinguish the difference user ingests a large dose.The physical effects include nausea,between these types of cookies and brownies from others vomiting, muscle weakness and lack of coordination.that are not contaminated or laced with the narcotic.On July 4th 2016, officers of the OCNFB Tobago Sub-Unitarrested a 21year old man at a hotel in Tobago with aquantity of high grade marijuana and a quantity ofmushrooms.The suspect disclosed that he planned to attenda popular party on the island which is known to attractuniversity students vacationing in Tobago from Trinidad.There he was going to ply his illicit trade to a target group ofpersons whose ages range between 16 and 30.According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)website: www.dea.gov, mushrooms, also known as “MagicMushrooms” or “shrooms”, are wild plants which are usuallydried and later smoked or ingested orally. They may also bebrewed as a tea or added to other foods to mask their bitterflavour. The plant contains a dangerous chemical called“psilocybin” which has a hallucinogenic effect. Psilocybinmushrooms can be found in Mexico,CentralAmerica and theUnited States. 36
ay 18th 2015 marked the official start-up date of the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (the Authority). It meant that finally, the Agency that was borne out of a children’s rights philosophy, could begin operating as the guardian of children and protect them from harm.Although the protection of the country’s children is an enormoustask, the staff of the Authority is not daunted, as it has the support ofpartners, in particular, the Child Protection Unit (CPU),of theTrinidad and Tobago Police Service.The CPU, like the Authority, also saw its operations come to life in2015 with a mandate “to engage in a collaborative relationship toensure the care and protection of the nation’s children”.As a result of the partnership between the Authority and theCPU, great strides have been made in the quality of carereceived by children who are at risk of abuse and neglect. Infact, there has been significant improvement in the reporting,investigating and quality of service provided to children.Reporting:The ability to provide support to children and their familiesbegins with a report from the public, which can be made toeither the CPU or the Authority. Since the Agenices workcollaboratively, reports are shared to ensure that thenecessary action is taken, in the best interest of the child. 37
Investigations: It is through the support of the CPU that the Authority’s staffInvestigations are conducted simultaneously and often can venture into “high risk” situations and areas. Staff of thejointly by the Authority and the CPU. The Authority focuses Authority and CPU have acknowledged that by workingon the social investigation, which aims to ascertain whether together, the removal of children has been less traumatic tothe child has been harmed and to determine the next steps the families.with regard to psychosocial intervention and immediate This has led to safe and seamless 24-hour interventions by theprotection. The CPU conducts the criminal investigation, CPU and the Authority.which seeks to determine whether a crime has occurred and Looking Ahead:to identify and charge any alleged perpetrator/s. Since becoming operational, both the Authority and the CPUIn order to obtain an account of the abuse, the Authority have intervened in the lives of more than 2,000 children acrossand the CPU conduct a forensic interview. This is a Trinidad and Tobago. However, there are still many childrenspecialised interviewing technique, which is meant to that require the joint efforts of these two organisations.obtain the child’s account of the abuse - from the child’s As with its own resources, the Authority is hopeful for anperspective and in the child’s voice. expansion of the CPU, in terms of manpower and its locationBoth the Authority’s officers and CPU officers have been within police stations throughout the country. It is expectedtrained in this interviewing technique, and in special cases, that a Memorandum of Understanding, which is currentlyconduct joint interviews aimed at reducing the trauma to being reviewed, will strengthen the partnership between thethe child. These joint interviews have led to rich statements agencies in their efforts to protect the nation’s children. Neverbeing obtained from children, which contribute to alleged before has so many national elements been aligned to reachperpetrators being charged. The statements will also go and improve the livestowards the filing of criminal proceedings. of those mostProviding Care and Protection: vulnerable.The Authority is of the view that children thrive best in afamily environment. As a result, wherever possible,appropriate and in the best interest of the child, theAuthority prioritises a family environment or familyreintegration.However, when a child is found to bein imminent danger, the Authoritywill remove the child from hisor her home environment.During the removal process,staff of the Authorityoften find themselvesat risk of beingharmed. 38
Supt. (Ag.) Odette Lewis he Child Protection Unit (CPU) of theInsp (Ag.) Beverly Paul Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Child Protection Unit (TTPS) was established on May 22nd 2015. As its name suggest, CPU is responsible for protecting children from criminal harm. It must ensure that all children in Trinidad and Tobago are safe, secure and well protected under the law. The unit was established to fulfil the requirements of the Children Act 12 of 2012, The Children Authority Act Chapter 46:10 and the Children Community Residences,Foster Homes and NurseriesAmendmentAct 2008.39
The role and function of the CPU is to investigate recent reports of the followingcrimes against children:- • Sexual offences • Sexual abuse • Physical abuse • Abandonment /Neglect and • Ill-TreatmentIn addition the CPU has engaged in collaborative relationships with the Children’sAuthority to ensure the care and protection of all children inTrinidad andTobago. WhilsttheCPU is responsible for investigating the criminal aspect of such reports perpetratedagainst children, the Children’s Authority is responsible for the psychosocialinterventions which assist the child victim to maintain a sense of stability in his or herlife.The CPU has been able to and continues to positively impact the rights and well-beingof children by ensuring reports of abuse committed against children are investigatedand the necessary redress afforded to the child.As of August 2016, there were 2877 reports made to the unit – of this, 540 matters arebefore the court.CPU has embarked on a drive to sensitise the general public throughoutTrinidad andTobago about the different forms of child abusewhich include sexual, physical and emotional, child abandonment, ill-treatment and neglect.The sensitisation is being done throughlectures at schools, via the PoliceYouthClubs, churches and outreach programmes hosted by various government departments.Also the CPU has embarked on continuous training for the officers attached to the unit, on investigative techniques, preparation of casefiles and other relevant areas pertaining to child protection. 40
Myrnelle Ahyoung –ThompsonSnr. Corporate Communications Officer he Police Youth Club (PYC) Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, The Honourable Darryl Smith, goes through the initiative was established in paces with football enthusiasts at a tournament organised by the Inter-AgencyTask 1974 aimed at positive Force, at St Paul Street. youth development and engagement. PYCs now For example, a male youth member from the Cunupia PYC indicated how hisnumber 113 and are located involvement in the club from early childhood kept him away from negativitythroughout Trinidad and Tobago and because of the club he is currently pursuing Medicine at the University ofwith a membership of 10,800 and the West Indies. Other clubs had similar testimonials where youth aregrowing. The club offers a variety of engaging in positive career development because of their involvement in PYCsprogrammes that focus on theoverall development of young 41people aged 5-30 years.The success of PYCs continues to befar reaching and the impact seenboth socially and economically.Many past PYC members havebecome outstanding citizens and arecontributing to society in differentspheres in such areas as medicine,law, nursing, teaching, protectiveservices and through sports.In February 2015, an impactassessment of the then 91 PYCs wasdone by the Planning, Research andProject Implementation Unit of theTrinidad and Tobago Police Service.The assessment involved interfacewith a cross-section of stakeholderssuch as PYC leaders, assistant leaders,parents, PYC members, privatecitizens and other stakeholders.Generally, the respondents indicatedthat the involvement of members inthe PYCs has supported improvedbehaviour and positive attitudes.Testimonials from members of PYCshighlight the positive influence theseclubs have on the lives of members.
Division No. of Minor Crimes Serious Crimes PYCsPort of SpainSouthern 2012 2013 2014 2015 2012 2013 2014 2015WesternNorthern 8 300 237 208 661 621 501 490CentralSouth Western 15 1555 1406 919 827 1620 983 1058 825EasternNorth Eastern 6 558 445 419 323 950 778 664 556Tobago 13 1146 1265 1225 651 2437 1721 1380 1098 8 304 198 206 176 826 504 495 439 8 926 954 774 793 841 714 799 767 9 2832 659 820 1160 925 673 626 619 9 376 434 352 375 1556 1263 1173 1064 15 461 380 339 358 893 782 713 732 Table 1: Data on Serious and Minor Crimes committed in Police Divisions with Youth Clubs over the period 2012-2015Through the years, PYCs have made positive contributions toyouth development which invariably affects crime - its preventionand reduction.An analysis of data supplied by the Crime and Problem AnalysisBranch of the TTPS, on minor and serious crimes committedwithin the nine police divisions over the period 2012-2015 (SeeTable 1), show a generalreduction in serious crimes inall divisions and decreases inminor crimes in seven of thenine divisions. This wouldtherefore suggest a possiblecorrelation between PYCs incommunities and the level ofcriminal activity that mayexist.1Trinidad andTobago Police Youth Club ImpactAssessment Report 42
Snr. Supt. (Ag.) Joanne Archie Tobago DivisionT he work of the Criminal Investigations In addition to targeting priority offenders in Tobago, known Department (CID), Tobago Division, has been offenders from Trinidad residing in Tobago were also having a significant impact on the reduction and monitored. The combination of tactics and strategies resulted detection of crime in Tobago, as collectively in a marked reduction in the specified crimes. Emboldened by officers contribute towards the vision of the its latest success, CID Tobago instituted both proactive andTrinidad and Tobago Police Service to make every place reactive measures that saw an improvement in response times,safe. timely feedback, accountability and closer collaboration withMore recently, break-in offences featured prominently for stakeholders.their frequency in occurrence in the Old Grange, Crown CID Tobago conducted a series of exercises and other crimePoint and Scarborough districts. fighting initiatives that led to the arrest of over 28 persons forIn addition, evidence has shown an increase in larcenies break-in related offences, 12 persons for larceny offences andand robberies but to a lesser degree, when compared with 18 persons for robbery related offences, all tower crimes inreports of break-ins. Tobago. In addition, furniture and tools valued in excess of halfGiven Tobago’s status as a “paradise” in the minds of locals a million dollars, were recovered from several of the reportedand visitors, the occurrence of these types of offences must break-ins.be contained. Members of the community are now more encouraged toAn assessment on the state of crime in Tobago was provide the police with information which thus far hasconducted. Consequently, CID adopted pro-active contributed to recent successes. The Tobago CID has alsomeasures that honed in on areas and times the crimes were partnered with the Cyber Crime Unit to form an initiative calledlikely to occur and profiling of probable offenders. These OperationCyber to apprehend and recover cellular phones andmeasures included focused patrols, community outreach other electronic devices that were stolen.geared towards vulnerable citizens and the targeting of The future is bright for CID Tobago and with continued hardpriority offenders. work, dedication and a love of service to the people ofTobago, greater and better things are expected of the officers. 43
PoliceServiceTT TTPoliceService www.ttps.gov.tt 44
T he Police Complaints Authority (PCA) provides an (b) To undertake enquires into, or audits of, any aspect of accessible way for the public to voice their police activities for the purpose of ascertaining whether concerns about the conduct of any police officer there is police corruption or serious police misconduct or to an independent body. The PCA is an circumstances that may be conducive to both; independent corporate body mandated, among (c) To monitor an investigation conducted by any personother things, to independently investigate complaints or authority in relation to any matter mentioned inagainst police officers involved in criminal offences, police paragraph (a) and to undertake audits of thosecorruption and serious police misconduct. The PCA investigations;operates completely independent of the police, (d) To advise the Police Service and other publicgovernment agencies and political parties. authorities on ways in which police corruption and seriousThe PCA was established by the Police Complaints police conduct may be eliminated;Authority Act, 2006 to provide civilian oversight of law (e) To gather evidence that may be admissible in theenforcement in Trinidad and Tobago. The Police prosecution of a person who is not a police officer for aComplaints Authority Act 2006 (“the Act”), proclaimed on criminal offence in relation to the Police Service and toJanuary 1, 2007, repealed the Police Complaints Authority furnish that evidence to the Director of PublicAct, 1993 (“the former Act”), which provided for Prosecutions, or where an authority outside the State iscomplaints against police officers to be sent by the (then) concerned, the Attorney General;Police Complaints Authority to the Trinidad and Tobago (f) To gather evidence that may be used in thePolice Service, (TTPS) for investigation. investigation of serious police misconduct and furnishThe Act of 2006 distinctively established the Police such evidence to the Commissioner of Police or the PoliceComplaints Authority (PCA) as an independent corporate Service Commission for appropriate action;body mandated, among other things, to investigate (g) To gather evidence that can be used in thecomplaints within its remit without the involvement of the prosecution of a police officer involved in a criminalpolice. No member of the Police Complaints Authority’s offence and furnish such evidence to the Director ofstaff is attached to theTrinidad andTobago Police Service, Public Prosecutions; orSpecial Reserve Police or Municipal Police Force. (h) To perform any other functions that may be conferredThe PCA is given extensive functions by virtue of Section on it by any other written law.21(1) of the Act, namely:-(a) To investigate criminal offences involving policeofficers, police corruption and serious police misconduct; 45
The services of the Authority are free and all complaints David West, Director – Police Complaints Authorityare investigated by highly trained investigators, who arenot police officers. All complaints made to the PCA aretreated with the utmost level of confidentiality. Acomplaint includes an allegation of:(a) police corruption;(b) serious police misconduct;(c) the commission of a criminal offence by a police officer;or(d) the commission of a criminal offence by any other person but involving a police officerThe PCA also has the power to initiate an investigation onits own initiative even if a complaint has not been officiallymade. Investigations have been initiated from outlets suchas media reports and social media.The PCA remains committed to its mission “to pursuejustice through independent civilian oversight of seriouspolice misconduct and criminality” by executing itsstatutory mandate with integrity, professionalism, fairnessand in the strictest confidence.The PCA Finding Truth – Ensuring Justice… 46
Sumit Kumar Research shows that the Fellow, Cambridge Center for majority of people die, not from the severity of their Evidence Based Policing wounds but from the loss of Dr. Meredith Patten blood. Eastridge and Associate Professor, Colleagues (2012) have shown that 90% of deaths that are potentiallyUniversity of Trinidad and Tobago preventable are the result of bleeding. Knowing this and the fact that emergency care can reduce death in those seriously wounded, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) embarked on an unprecedented initiative. On Thursday April 23rd, 2015, the Commissioner of Police (Ag.), Stephen Williams, launched the “Trauma Kit Initiative” for the first responders of the TTPS i.e. officers attached to the Inter Agency Task Force, Divisional Task Forces and the Rapid Response Unit.47
Approximately 400officers were trainedin the use of traumakits Professor Lawrence Sherman, Director of the Institute of Criminology at the University of Cambridge, presentsCommissioner of Police (Ag.), StephenWilliams, with a kit at the launch of the Trauma Kit ExperimentThe trauma kits include hemostatic bandages which can be Trauma kits were placed in police vehicles and each kit boxapplied to the wounds. These bandages contain agents to had a unique identifier and a hotline number printed on it.speed up the clotting process. The kit also includes Members of the TTPS and Cambridge Centre foradditional items such as rescue blankets, face masks, hand Evidence-Based Policing tracked the compliance of DO 41gloves and scissors that are important components in on a daily basis. While previously examined in a military andadministering the bandages.The initiative is aimed at: combat scenario, the tracking of hemostatic bandage use has never been done in a law enforcement setting.1. Reducing the risk of death to police officers The first round of data collection on trauma kit usage began2. Saving the lives of wounded persons in April 2015 and ended in April 2016. Data was collected3. Reducing the homicide rate from the morning reports and from the Trauma Kit Hotline4. Detecting more homicides with victim testimony which officers were required to call within 24 hours of5. Promoting officers as caring, courageous heroes applying a bandage.This allowed for immediate knowledge of the bandage usage and also the opportunity to replace who save lives the used items in a timely manner. If and when non-compliance was noted, a letter highlighting the detailsBy using hemostatic bandages to save lives, the TTPS has of the incident was provided to the Senior Superintendentbecome the first police department in the world to use this of the Division to help inquire and take the necessary actioninitiative on a national scale. Departmental Order No. 41 of against non-compliant officers. An example of the use of a2014 makes it policy for police officers to administer the hemostatic bandage is provided below.hemostatic bandage. The Departmental Order outlines the The Hemostatic bandage used by South Western Divisionstandard operating procedure, defining the guidelines Task Force was the third employment for the study and thegoverning its use.The initiative is also impacting the families one that brought reality to the members of the TTPS as itof crime victims, the families of suspects, the families of was used on a wounded police officer.The administration ofofficers and the nation as a whole. the bandage was on Saturday 2nd May 2015 at 11.15am by No. 13497 Ag. Sgt. Jones. Around 11.00am on May 2nd 2015In the first stage, approximately 400 officers were trained in No. 13497Ag. Sgt. Jones and a party of officers were on dutythe use of trauma kits.The training covered the rationale for at the Point Fortin Borough celebrations when theythe trauma kits and examples of its use and safety. Officers responded to a report of a man beaten unconscious by awere reminded that putting a trauma bandage on a victim is group of people in the Point Fortin district. On arrival at thenot a medical procedure. While there was some scene in vehicle PCY2069 with Trauma Kit TK - 68 Ag. Sgt.apprehension on the part of a small number of officers, most Jones found the victim, No.19453 Constable David, lyingindicated they already transported wounded victims to thehospital and welcomed having the additional material. 48
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