•TTPS Quarterly Issue No.6

ISSUE NO 6January - March, 2018



Contents JANUARY - MARCH, 2018 • Issue No. 603 Message from the Commissioner of Police05 Editor’s Note07 A Message and a Movie: TTPS East Port of Spain Schools’ 07 Outreach Initiative10 Police School Intervention Strategy12 PYC Success Stories15 Self Defence18 Eye on Dependency20 The Nature of Trauma22 Victim and Witness Support Unit - Helping Victims of Crime24 Cyber Trends 201726 Analysing Drug Seizures28 The National Crime Prevention Programme: Collaborating for Crime Prevention29 Progress and Challenges in the Fight Against Corruption on a 22 15 National, Regional and Global Level30 Employing Procedural Justice to Improve Police Legitimacy in Trinidad and Tobago32 Police Stand in Solidarity with Prisons Officers34 Use of Force36 Execution of Warrants 2438 PCA Mobile Application39 Did You Know? A Certificate of Character40 The Unknown Link: Traffic and Crime 43 26 51 5842 Zero-based Budgeting; Can We Try It Now?43 Six Decades of Vision, Hope, Growth and Financial Stability45 The Importance of Monitoring and Evaluation in the TTPS46 Time to Build: Establishing a Robust Monitoring, Evaluation and 34Compliance Capacity in the TTPS48 Special Branch - Relevance for Today49 Focus on the Eastern Division51 History of the Audio Visual Function within the TTPS53 ‘Door to Door Policing’ in Central and North Eastern Divisions 4056 SRP 75th Anniversary58 160 Recruits – Graduate with Pride and Accomplishment61 “Be the Officer You Want to Meet” Valedictorian PoliceServiceTT TTPoliceService www.ttps.gov.tt No. 10335 WPC Renee Didier63 No. 12757 Cpl. Paul De Leon ‘The Negotiator’

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A Message from the Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams, MBA, M.St, LLB, LEC, MCMI patrols, which help us to better understand the policing Commissioner of Police (Ag.) needs of the public. At the Divisional level, town meetings are held on a monthly basis, whereby members of theT he Trinidad and Tobago Police Service public are provided with the opportunity to directly engage (TTPS) continues to operate with a with senior officers on a variety of policing-related issues distinct community-oriented approach that affect them. towards policing. Guided by our It is therefore not by chance, that the TTPS has extended Strategic Plan 2017-2019, the TTPS its hand in an attempt to genuinely partner with the strives through various measures to communities served; a recognition of the integral role achieve one of our main goals; the citizens play in our crime prevention and detection Strengthening of Community Engagements, operations. Citizen Centered Service and Stakeholder Much of the successes achieved, have been due to the Participation. cooperative efforts of many responsible citizens. TheIn an effort to achieve this, the TTPS has solidified and TTPS is very appreciative of those persons who alert thestrengthened its community policing strategies. We police to criminal activity; and provide the informationcontinue to increase our community foot and mobile that is necessary, for crime eradication. We applaud those who give of their time and assist us as witnesses in the prosecution of criminal suspects. It is a well-established societal principle, that the more people follow the example set by model citizens, in taking responsibility for the safety and security of their country, the more likely we are to realize our goal of making every place in Trinidad and Tobago safe. I wish to urge citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, to not only partner with us in the aftermath of criminal occurrences, but to also support us in our more preventative efforts, aimed at curbing the spread of criminality in our country. The Police Youth Club initiative, is one great avenue through which young persons who are vulnerable to falling victim to criminal activity, can receive mentorship and have their energies channeled into more positive and productive areas. These clubs have no shortage of opportunities for members of the public to contribute, by giving of their time and resources in the form of sponsorships or volunteer mentorships. We look forward to greater public participation from all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago in the fight against criminality in our country. The challenges faced can only be effectively tackled, if there exists the support, cooperation and involvement of persons from all corners of our society. Stephen Williams 03

ContributorsDeputy Commissioner of Police (Ag.), Maria Rosalina Harte Publisher Crime and Support, Harold Phillip Commissioner of PoliceAssistant Superintendent (Ag.) Keisha Bowla-Hines Editor Karen Lancaster-Ellis Ellen Lewis Senior Superintendent (Ag.), Head- Corporate Communications Lloyd McAlpin Coordinator, PhotographyAssistant Superintendent (Ag.) Sergeant Dale Joseph Sergeant David Swanson No. 13335 Cpl. (Ag.), Nigel Stephen Andre Norton Proofreading ASP (Ag.) Karen Lancaster-Ellis Writers Snr. Supt. (Ag.) John Frederick ASP (Ag.) Andre Norton Insp. Kazim Ali Insp. Glenroy Phillip Shane Jitta Corporate Communications O cer Joneille Johnson Corporate Communications O cer Shemuel London Corporate Communications O cer Ryan Nanton Sta Writer Ronald Auguste Social Work O cer Ayanna Bradshaw Research Specialist Marlon Alphonse Research Specialist Stakeholder Contributors Police Complaints Authority Police Credit Union O ce of Law Enforcement Policy Eye on Dependency Photography Audio Visual Unit Photography Unit Cover Image No. 17646 PC William Andrew 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 O ce: (868) 625-8395 Fax: (868) 625-7133 Email: publica [email protected] 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. 04

Editor’s Note “In this issue we would like to bring greater understanding and awareness of the efforts and work of the police”J anuary-March 2018, marked the end of another interesting period of achievements for theTrinidad and Tobago Police Service, some of which will be reflected on, in this issue of the TTPSQuarterly. Through the Commissioner of Police, CinemaOne, Downtown Owners and Merchants Association, Mayorof Port of Spain and the Trinidad and Tobago ElectricityCommission, scores of primary and secondary school children fromEast Port ofSpain had a truly once in a lifetime cinematic experiencewith a viewing of the movie, ‘Black Panther’ that went way beyondthe usual ‘snack and a movie’, which you will no doubt want to readmore about. This issue also features some of the many successstories of the PoliceYouth Club (PYC) from Siparia to Moriah; andhow easy it can be for young people, to benefit from the manyopportunities open to members of the PYC Organisation.TheSpecial Branch, because of the sensitive nature of its operationsis not often in the public’s eye, but it is being showcased along withtheVictim andWitness Support Unit andAudioVisual. From time totime, there are questions raised about the police ‘use of force’ andthe various types of warrants executed by police officers, on behalfof the courts; both of which are addressed, in an effort to bring about greater understanding and awareness of the work ofthe police.Among the many services we provide, is the issuing of a Certificate of Character (CoC); which is often used by employers,as part of their hiring process – we explain the easy steps involved in obtaining a CoC whether you are a citizen ornon-national. The Police Complaints Authority, in their contribution towards this issue, focuses on the introduction of amobile application established to facilitate complaints from members of the public. We also share information about the‘Eye on Dependency’ Radio andTV programme which targets victims of substance abuse.We’re always eager and happy to hear from you, so please write to us at publicaff[email protected] the next issue! Ellen Lewis Head - Corporate Communications 05



FEATUREA Message and a Movie: TTPS East Port of Spain Schools’ Outreach Initiative Commissioner of Police (Ag.), Stephen Williams encouraged the 321 pupils in attendance, to strive to be model citizens stating that our future society will depend on how young persons are shaped.Commissioner of Police (Ag.), StephenWilliams, interacts with a few studentsbefore the start of the movie.

T rinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) continues its trend of engaging citizens and Joneille Johnson fostering healthy community relations. On any given day, citizens witnessTTPS officers Corporate Communications Officer actively and tangibly protecting and serving, however, onWednesday 14th March, 2018, the TTPS took its commitment one step further and hosted a free viewing of thecritically acclaimed film, ‘Black Panther’, for over 300 students from East Port of Spain schools.The event, a part of the TTPS’s East Port of Spain Schools’ Outreach Initiative, facilitated byCommissioner of Police (Ag.), Stephen Williams, was deemed a veritable success by both thestudents in attendance and the various stakeholders who chose to play a part in enriching thelives of East Port of Spain youth.Commissioner of Police (Ag.), Stephen Williams, shares a light moment with (L-R) His Worship the Mayor of Port of Spain, Alderman Joel Martinez; President ofDowntown Owners and Merchants Association, Gregory Aboud;TTPS’s Head – Corporate Communications, Ellen Lewis; and Chief Executive Officer - CinemaOne,Ingrid Jahra.Initially the brainchild of TTPS’s Head - Corporate Chief Executive Officer of CinemaOne, Ingrid Jahra, as well asCommunications, Ellen Lewis, the idea quickly grew into a Deputy Communications Manager of theTrinidad andTobagowell-organized plan and even better executed event with the Electricity Commission (T&TEC), Clare Cooper.support of the Inter-Agency Task Force. While the aim of the While delivering remarks to the 321 pupils in attendance,event was to improve relations between the police and East Commissioner Williams encouraged them to strive to bePort of Spain community, there was a genuine desire to reach model citizens, stating that our future society will depend onout to the students who were most affected by the protest how young persons are shaped to enter that future. Ever anaction in the East Port ofSpain area on Monday 19th February, advocate for youth development and community2018. engagement, Commissioner Williams, spoke heartily to thePresent at the event were, His Worship the Mayor of Port of students about the endless opportunities available to them, ifSpain, Alderman Joel Martinez, President of the Downtown they acted wisely. Much like the star of the movie, theOwners and MerchantsAssociation (DOMA),GregoryAboud, students were encouraged to look out for each other, and to 08

The movie projects strong family values of integrity, love,togetherness and commonality of purpose. Values, which play a critical role in the progress and growth of East Port of Spain and society at large.do their best, even in the face of adversity.The initiative was warmly received by Mayor Martinez who described it as an apt opportunity to inspire and uplift the city’s youth.The Mayor further echoed the Commissioner’s sentiments, by urging the pupils to recognize how bright and limitless theirfutures could be.Additionally, DOMA’s President, Mr.Aboud, told the students to never placelimits on themselves or on what they canachieve, as he acknowledged theimportant role they will play in thedevelopment of Port of Spain in thefuture.Ms. Ellen Lewis, who delivered thewelcome, explained that the movieviewing created an ideal opening forthe TTPS to positively engage thestudents of East Port of Spain, as thefilm projects strong family values ofintegrity, love, togetherness andcommonality of purpose. Values, shebelieves, play a critical role in theprogress and growth of East Port ofSpain and society at large.Though the movie was the majorhighlight of the day, students were alsotreated to African-inspired face paintingand head wraps courtesy the T&TEC,while, refreshments were provided bothbefore and after the movie, by the Portof Spain City Corporation and SM JaleelLimited. Moreover, the event was madepossible thanks to the kind support ofMrs. Jahra, who provided tickets at adiscounted price and DOMA, whopurchased the tickets.The event, resulted from a need to All smiles as students get settled in to see blockbuster hit, ‘Black Panther’.reinforce positive messages andreassurances to the pupils of the EastPort of Spain Schools after a violent anddisruptive experience, was undoubtedlysuccessful. The intent behind thisinitiative, can be perfectly surmised withthe words of the movie’s main character,King T’challa, “We must find a way tolook after one another, as if we wereone single tribe.” 09

SchoolSsPt’roIanltitecegeryvention Shemuel London Corporate Communications OfficerT he Strategic Goal to Strengthen Community Centred Service and Stakeholder Management, is central to achieving the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service’s (TTPS) vision to create a safer society. A major part of achieving this goal is the positive development of this country’s young citizens. For this reason, the TTPS expends much effort in partnering with the nation’s schools, to eliminate instances of criminality among students, and to contribute substantially to the creationand development of law-abiding citizens.To achieve this, a multi-pronged approach has been employed, with several initiatives being implemented in partnership withschools across Trinidad and Tobago, all geared towards positive youth engagement. These initiatives described below, areespecially targeted towards those students deemed to be particularly at risk or vulnerable to negative influences.1. School Liaison OfficersTheTTPSOperating Plan 2017 set out a performance target for the year to increase the number of School LiaisonOfficers by 10%.In each Division, schools most in need of police support are identified and a Liaison officer is attached to those schools. Theseofficers interact and form relationships with school staff as well as troubled students, all in an effort to reduce incidents of 10

disruption in schools. SchoolLiaison Officers also benefitfrom specialist training onissues such as particulars of theChildren Act for example, andother personal developmentinitiatives. This allows them tobetter deal with sensitivecommunity issues and to fostermore effective partnershipswith all school stakeholdersinvolved.2. School Visits and LecturesOfficers attached to theCommunity Policing Secretariatas well as the Child ProtectionUnit make frequent visits toschools throughout Trinidad andTobago.These visits are primarilyaimed at educating andsensitizing students on a numberof legal and crime-related issuesthat are most relevant to them, A police officer conducts a lecture to primary school pupils.as well as the role of the police intreating with these issues. Students are admonished aboutthe dangers of bullying and cyber bullying, among a list of be seen in the statistics on crimes which have occurred inother issues including physical and sexual abuse, and schools. For the year 2014, there were 57 serious crimesnon-violent conflict resolution. committed in schools throughout Trinidad and Tobago involving student victims, which dropped to 45 reports in 2015, a decrease of 21%. This decreased further by 31%3. Caring Intervention for TroubledYouths (CITY) in 2016, with 31 serious crimes involving student victimsCITY is a partnership between North Eastern educational occurring in schools for that year. This decrease isdistrict representatives and the T&T Police Service which perhaps on track to continue into 2017, with 24 seriouscaters for students with discipline and behavioural issues crimes recorded in schools up to the end of Septemberin the secondary school system, and those facing 2017.suspension from school. The programme operates from Similarly, reports of minor crimes such as indecentthe Sangre Grande Police Youth Club, located at Mc assault have also seen a steady decline. In 2014, thereGillvery Road, Sangre Grande, and is managed by were 69 minor crimes involving student victims, whichofficers from the Community Policing Section of the dropped to 51 in 2015, a decrease of 26%. A furtherEastern Division. Instead of staying home during decrease of 48 minor crimes was recorded for 2016, andsuspensions, students attend the programme, where as of September 30th, 2017, there were 23 minorvarious types of professionals volunteer to mentor and offences involving student victims at schools.guide the students. The provision of accessible rolemodels for these students has proven to be extremelyuseful in terms of eliminating disruptive behaviours These encouraging results from the TTPS’s schoolamong troublesome students. Some students have also intervention strategy, serve to confirm its effectivenessbecome members of Police Youth Clubs after and further motivate the police officers involved, in theirpassing through the program. efforts to eliminate to the occurrence of crimes and violence in schools. This focus on youth development remains part of the TTPS’s long term policing strategy,These strategic initiatives are experiencing a significant and is key to achieving the goal to be morelevel of success with regards to reducing the occurrence citizen-centred in the delivery of policing services toof criminal infractions in schools. The positive results can members of the public. 11

SUCCESS STORIESAs 2017 comes to a close, PoliceYouthClubs (PYC) acrossTrinidad andTobago have recorded several success stories in the areasof academia, sports and culture. Many PYC members have broken the proverbial glass ceilings in their respective areas ofinterests. Among those clubs that excelled were the Trinidad and Tobago Police Youth Netball Team (TTPYNT), BeverlyHills/Block 8, BonAccord, Felicity, Laventille Road, Roxborough, Siparia, Signal Hill and St James PYCs, to name a few. Of theseclubs, four members of the TTPYNT were selected for the National Under-21 Netball Team and proceeded to represent thecountry at the Netball WorldYouth Cup in Botswana in July.The members were given financial support from Commissioner ofPolice (Ag.), StephenWilliams, who also presented them with letters of appreciation.The Signal Hill PYC was crowned winners of the PYC Sports and captured first place in the Calypso Medley and Short Storycategories of the Prime Minister’s Best Village Trophy Competition. The Beverly Hills/Block 8 PoliceYouth Club Team coppedfirst place in the East Port-of-Spain ‘Play as One’ Football Tournament, Open Division category. Also, the Laventille Road PYCmade its debut in the National Junior Panorama competition.These successes attest to the invaluable investment in youth development made by PYCs, led by compassionate and dedicatedpolice officers. Here are stories from some members of the Clubs above.NathifaWilliams, 19 Joining the Siparia Police Youth Club some six at the Black Carpet Cultural Movement Talent Quest Siparia years ago has renewed my hope that there are Competition. people who truly care about my wellbeing. Ever PoliceYouth Club since I encountered Club Leader, Sgt. Roger Worrell Nevertheless, my leadership role has extended from and Assistant Club Leader, WPC Malissa Sylvester, the Orchestra to all aspects of the Club, as Sgt. Worrell they have given selflessly of their resources, time and WPC Sylvester have appointed me a leader. This and energy to my personal development. means that I must always act responsibly and be disciplined in order to be a good role model to the other I can call on them anytime. It is in my times of stress, members. Being a leader has made me realise that you especially in pursuit of my Bachelors of Law with the must practice what you preach.This is not always easy, Institute of Law and Academic Studies, that the as I am challenged in establishing when I am Nathifa officers are at my side to offer advice which when the friend, or Nathifa the leader. I love this challenge followed, always bears positive results. This is why though; it makes me a better individual. the PYC has become my place of escape. I call it my second home where I often find the balance in my life. I was also a part of the team from the club that went to Texas, USA for the first time. It was such an I must say, the Club also helped me to discover my amazing experience that I will never forget. hidden talent, which happened to be playing the steelpan. Today, I am a tenor pannist and the Captain It terrifies me that I may outgrow the Club. I don’t ever of the Senior Orchestra. I love that the Club caters to want to leave. I have a family that I never thought I diverse interests like Latin dance, netball, volleyball, wanted, and now I would always cherish. and so on. It really helped in me achieving 1st place 12

Commissioner Williams better look out, I’m coming for This is where those public speaking and Raeann Guerra, 20his job! communication skills are really utilised. My duties Laventille Road include delegating meetings, assisting the Club’s PoliceYouth ClubAfter all the Laventille Road Police Youth Club has done leader, planning events, and of course, setting anfor me, I only see it fit to give back to the organisation. example for members to aspire to and surpass.And, what better way is there than to rise to the top tobecome the first substantive female police I guard jealously, the privilege of performing with thecommissioner. Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) Band for the TTPS’s Variety Concerts throughout the ChristmasI know, it’s a big dream, but I only began having it Season. It is a big deal for me.because of Club Leader, Curtis Paul’s belief in me andmy capabilities. Because of Mr Paul and the support of It’s all a part of being a cultural ambassador, somethingthe group, I feel as if I have a bright future ahead. In the Club always motivated me to be. As such, in 2014,everything that he knows that I am doing, he gives me I was chosen to represent Trinidad and Tobago at aan extra push and that I consider a needed, major Youth Forum on Drug Prevention in Austria.support in my life. I’ve also been able to sing at the National CalypsoIt all started about six years ago when I enrolled into the Competition at Skinner Park for the first time last year.PYC. I was very shy and found it hard to relate to others In 2010, the Mango Tree Production, in collaborationaround my age. With constant pep talks, continuous with the Port of Spain Rotary, awarded me a Plaque ofmotivation and countless opportunities for growth, I Excellence for singing. I placed fourth in the Calypsogrew into an outgoing person. Junior Monarch in 2009 and 2011Though I loved singing, I hated public speaking or the A recent event that I think can attest to the impact of theidea of having to be in front of a large crowd. I then got PYC in my life, is our Fun and Family Day at thecoaching from the Club’s leaders on public speaking Laventille Road Sporting Complex. The event wasand it built my communication skills and taught me how geared towards raising funds for members to be able toto present myself in a confident manner. travel and experience new cultures. The planning stage was difficult as the attention spans of the youngerToday, I am the President of the Laventille Road Police members were short. However, everyone was given aYouth Club and have also performed in the capacity of responsibility and it in turn empowered us.At the end, itSecretary. Furthermore, I am in my final year in the showed that we were leaders in our own right,pursuit of my Bachelors of Arts in Theatre Arts at the demonstrating to the adults that we are capable ofUniversity of the West Indies, St. Augustine. doing things on our own.My love for singing has landed me a place in the been a member of the PYC for the past two years, and MitchelaWilliams , 14Moriah Police Youth Club where I am given from my time there, I can say that it’s a fun, exciting Moriahopportunities to use my God-given talent to bless all journey. It provides avenues for me to discover mythose I come in contact with. This love, however, hidden talents and reach my full potential. PoliceYouth Clubbegan when I was 3-years-old, singing to patients at In 2010, I captured first place in the Trinbago’s Got Talentthe clinic where my mom attended. Competition, where I was rewarded to an all-expenseI am appreciative of the support of my Club Leader, paid trip to Florida, USA, where I was part of the recordingWPC Samaroo, gives. She constantly pushes me to of 10 songs for the ‘Kids Time Praise’ soundtrack. I ambecome a better me, all the time. also a member of the Tobago Police Choir.Through her efforts, my socialisation skills and Nonetheless, I find great self-satisfaction in giving back todiscipline have improved significantly. WPC Samaroo my community. This I do by visiting nursing homesis truly an inspiration. As a single mother she is very throughout several communities and using my voice ashard working, going above and beyond to ensure my motivation and encouragement to residents of thosesuccess and well-being. She always gives me good, homes.sound advice, especially when it comes to school. It is my aspiration to become either a veterinarian or aAs such, when I go about my daily life, the words, “Stay lawyer.”away from a life of crime,” resonate in my head. I have 13

Enoch Pierre, 25 Life in my community has been enriched ever since the Football has really been the glue. It is an excellentBeverly Hills/Block 8 Beverly Hills/Block 8 Police Youth Club opened its doors initiative. Actually, when I think about the happiness and to the young people in my area. unity it brings, I can’t help but wait with bated breath for PoliceYouth Club the next game. There was once a time where I wouldn’t have interacted with many of the people in my community, for one Furthermore, the PYC has provided an environment reason or the other. That ceased after joining the PYC. It where I can share my knowledge and experiences with became home to a new family,which I am proudly a part younger boys. of, who exchange love and are united in brotherhood. Being a role model is a great opportunity that I place Now don’t get me wrong, it is still a work in progress, great value on. It feels really good knowing that I can especially when still having to face the challenges that impact others while accomplishing goals in my life. This confront us in our environment on a daily basis. feeling I try to relay to the young members. I reinforce that no matter the obstacle, you must persevere. You Nevertheless, the Club is that place that refuels our must give 110%. passion to become greater versions of ourselves. It is our safe haven. As I move forward in life, I would like to become the best underwater welder in the country. I continue to take Inspector (Ag.) Elvin Reid, PC Marvin Small and their steps to achieve this. team, have not only presented us with positive alternatives to crime and delinquency, but have been In 2014, I was named the ‘Most Outstanding’ student at permanent encouragers to every member to stay the the Point Lisas Industrial Apprenticeship Programme course and become productive members of society. (PLIAP). I’ve been certified in welding by the MIC/HYPE Programme and YTEPP. Through football and other sporting and social activities, we continue to develop life skills and a genuine concern Today, I am furthering my skills as a welder at the for the wider community. Caribbean Doc Yard (Caridoc), Chaguaramas. Precious Regis, 11 Precious is a recipient of a voice scholarship from the At the Bon Accord PYC I was given the chance toBon Accord/Goodwood Commissioner of Police. explore these sides of me. I am always excited about It is a fun, educational and learning adventure that I the field trips that take us to various places in Tobago. PoliceYouth Club love every moment of. This is how I can describe But, more importantly, being able to sing at the being a part of the Police Youth Club (PYC). I have Trinidad and Tobago Police Service’s Variety Concert been a member of the Bon Accord PYC for quite last year, at the National Academy for the Performing some time, but recently switched to the Goodwood Arts, Port-of-Spain, is one of the opportunities that I Police Youth Club. will never forget.At the concert, I was given a standing ovation from everyone which gave me the assurance At the Bon Accord Police Youth Club, the leaders that I have a gift of touching people’s hearts. always encouraged me to be mindful of my behaviour and to watch my habits. They always stressed I placed first in Tobago’s Channel 5 Children Showcase, respecting my elders and leaders, something that can Fundango and Gospel Fest. I also placed third in be a challenge. Trinbago Got Talent. Another highlight was sharing the same stage as Sinach – a world famous Gospel I am a very outgoing, energetic and brilliant young singer/band – at the ‘In His Presence’ event. lady who loves the performing arts and everything about science. I also like sports, especially football. These experiences and more continue to mould me More importantly, I love to sing and bring joy to into better person. I will encourage any child my age others from my singing. It’s a magical experience to join a PYC, because the experiences are just so when I think about it. amazing. 14

Joneille Johnson Corporate Communications OfficerS tatistically speaking, the odds of of every incident around them, regardless of how insignificant a police officer being present at it may seem. In times like these, with an uncomfortably high the same time a crime is being crime rate and need for greater safety, there is a role for the committed are slim to highly village maco, who often knows and sees everything that takesimprobable. Bearing this in mind, the place in a community.onus remains on every citizen to take In addition to the more traditional methods of gatheringas many cautionary measures information, through the use of modern technology,available to them for their own residents/communities are being connected in real time.Withprotection. online mobile applications such as the CSAFE mobile app,One simple way to protect oneself, persons can quickly receive emergency alerts, public safetyloved ones and property is by getting notifications, weekly crime reports and post news aboutinvolved in one’s community. missing or wanted persons on their mobile devices. CSAFE,Adopting a more civic-minded which stands for “Communicating Security Awareness forattitude and participating in one’s Everyone”, is a free app available to anyone with a mobileneighbourhood watch group can device and internet access.aid in improving one’s general sense of security. Aneighbourhood watch gains its strength from the communitylooking out for each other involving simple, neighbourly taskssuch as reporting suspicious activity to the police, sharinginformation on any crimes with neighbours and police,checking on vulnerable community members after an incidentand discussing ongoing concerns with neighbours. While,many persons may prefer to keep to themselves and maintain acertain degree of privacy, it cannot be ignored that there isstrength in numbers. Playing an active part in a neighbourhoodwatch group inevitably leads to stronger and safer communitieswith increased vigilance and crime prevention awareness.In Trinidad and Tobago, almost everyone is familiar with thecolloquial term, ‘maco’. A maco is usually someonepreoccupied with everyone else’s business and keeps record 15



While community involvement and being aware of any dangers in your to women and children.area is useful, it still cannot replace the ability to protect oneself. As the See below for a few of the schools that have chosendebates continues over the introduction of pepper spray and tasers, there to give back to communities and lend a hand in theis yet another approach; self-defence classes. fight against crime.Learning self-defence skills benefits everyone, most importantly Queen’s Park Clubvulnerable groups in society, namely women and children. Self-defence 53A Cascade Road, Cascade,classes can extend beyond discovering how to protect oneself, but also Trinidad andTobago, WIboosts self-esteem and confidence. The following are just a few benefits Telephone: 683-9343of learning self-defence skills: Pyramid Martial Arts Academy1. Improving your street awareness: Self-defence classes will help you to 37 Elenore Street, Chaguanas,be aware at all times and ready, should a dangerous situation arise.You Trinidad andTobago, WImight be shocked for a second, but you will have the necessary reactions Telephone: 719-1707to protect yourself.2. Trust your instincts: Your intuition, combined with your commonsense, can help get you out of trouble. For example, if you're running aloneon the school track and you suddenly feel like you're being watched, thatcould be your intuition telling you something.Your common sense wouldthen tell you that it's a good idea to get back to where there are morepeople around.3. De-Escalating a Bad Situation: De-escalating a situation meansspeaking or acting in a way that can prevent things from getting worse.The classic example of de-escalation is giving a robber your money ratherthan trying to fight or run.4. ReduceYour Risks: Understand your surroundings.Walk or hang out inareas that are open, well lit, and well-travelled. Become familiar with thebuildings, parking lots, parks, and other places you walk. Pay particularattention to places where someone could hide — such as stairways andbushes.5. Safety: Knowing self-defense can help you feel less anxious in public.You will learn the basics of how to quickly disable an attacker so that youcan escape, focusing on learning how to take advantage of time and spaceto make a quick getaway.6. Exercise: Self-defense classes also offers exercise benefits such asmuscle toning and strengthening, improved balance andcoordination and an effective cardiovascular workout.Such classes also help you improve youroverall physical condition,your mental approach tohealth and fitness andyour chances of escapingfrom an attack.With so many advantagesto acquiring self-defenceskills, it becomes a logicalinvestment in one’s peace ofmind and overall physical andmental health. There are severaldojos, gymnasiums and schoolsacrossTrinidad andTobago that offertraining in mixed martial arts, jiu-jitsu,karate, kick boxing, taekwondo, capoeira andjudo. Some even offer free and discounted classes17

Natasha Nunez Eye on DependencyT he radio program Eye on Dependency celebrated 15 years in 2017 and has taken the leap of transitioning to television with a weekly hour-long series on TV6. The journey for the husband and wife team of Garth St Clair and Natasha Nunez has been a tough but rewarding one, as you’ll see when you read on.Born out of a need to give back to the country, Eye on Dependency began in 2002 on Power 102FM. The objective then, asnow, is to provide information about substance abuse and its related ills. As a former soldier and recovering crack addicthimself, Garth believed radio was the ideal medium to reach a large block of listeners with the stories that could touch andtransform lives. In addition to groundbreaking interviews with users and those in recovery, Eye on Dependency also beganto look at the systems and mechanisms that support or encourage addicts to leave that destructive lifestyle behind.Natasha Nunez Garth St Clair 18

This led to a shift in focus, in 2009, to the victims of drug Crime Agency. Trafficked was a critical and commercialtrafficking – mules from Trinidad and Tobago and the success, and is now used as a teaching tool by localCaribbean who risked their lives attempting to make authorities, namely, the Counter Trafficking Unit, inmoney from transporting drugs to the United Kingdom. methods used by traffickers to entrap persons to moveUpon reading the story of Owen Alfred, a Tobagonian who drugs across national borders.was arrested, charged and sentenced to 18 years for Eye on Dependency has always been interested in the lawconspiracy to import drugs into the UK, Eye on enforcement aspect of the drug trade. Through interviewsDependency sought permission to interview Alfred in the with high-ranking police personnel in the UK and Canada,prison where he was being held – HMP Wandsworth, the Eye on Dependency has uncovered many policinglargest prison in Western Europe and located just out of strategies that could be employed locally to not onlyLondon. prevent and reduce crime but to engender betterThat first interview led to several more in the following relationships between law enforcement and theyears, at prisons across England. Eye on Dependency communities they serve.uncovered stories no one was following, mostly from The relationship between the TTPS and Eye onyoung women who were coerced or forced to carry drugs Dependency has reached a new level with Cpl. Cyllanin their luggage or stomachs with the promise of a payday Gillead of the Organised Crime and Intelligence Unitthat never came. The extent of harm done to the families (OCIU) presenting a segment called ‘News Addict’ on theand children left behind was incalculable. Nevertheless, Eye on Dependency TV. This latest partnership with thethere was another Eye on Dependency project that OCIU is the culmination of several years of collaborationemerged from those years of inquiry into the transatlantic and knowledge sharing between two entities that identifydrug mule trade. with similar goals. Long may it continue!In 2015, the feature film Trafficked premiered at theTrinidad and Tobago Film Festival. Based on a true story, Eye on Dependency can be heard Sundays from 6:15pmthe film recreated a scenario involving three Trinidadian on i95.5FM.university students on holiday in Cancun, Mexico, as told Eye on DependencyTV can be seen Sundays from 8:00pmto Eye on Dependency by an official of the Serious and onTV6 with a repeat onThursdays at 10:00am.Organised Crime Organisation (SOCA), now the National 19

The Nature of Ronald AugusteSocial Work Officer Social Work UnitI n the scientific, academic and sociological be violated. Eg. Murder, suicide, terrorism, arson, earthquake, communities, there are varied perspectives on the tornado, flooding, gas leak, electrocution, explosion etc.These concept of trauma. The validity, factuality or examples were “ridiculous” by design. Even so, stop and think applicability of all of these are outside the scope of about why you think that they are ridiculous. Are theythis document. Regardless of perspective, the experience of impossible? How can you be sure? You can’t.trauma can be distilled to two fundamental constructs. Let your imagination play out these scenarios in the most 1.The reminder of the uncertainty of the future. extreme ways that you can come up with. The better you can 2.The capacity to deal with uncertainty. imagine, the more stressful this exercise will feel. By now, you will be faced with the following stark realization:While this may seem reductionist or a gross all of your “facts” and “constants”, are just one group of aunderstatement, we can test these ideas using some series of possibilities that can actually occur. If you happen topractical examples. be inclined to statistics, try to calculate the odds of making it home safely to a home that is the way you expect it; if you 1. Think of your current situation. Where are you? What prefer not to calculate, trust that the odds are astronomically are you doing? against you. It would be nice if that were the end of the story, Whenever you’re done doing that, wherever you’re but it’s not. doing it, chances are that you will be going home Do you expect to get home safely today alone? If your answer after. You have just made a series of assumptions is “no”, then multiply the number of days that you would like that seem like absolute facts, but are assumptions to get home safely, by astronomical. nevertheless. This is the reality of the world. a. You will be alive at least as long as it will take Fortunately, ignorance is bliss (even when it is intentional). For to get home. us to function in the world, we need to be able to lie to b. Your means of transportation will not be ourselves that the future is stable, or at the very least, destroyed for at least as long as you require it predictable. to get you home. The experience of trauma is therefore a reminder that life is a c. Your home, inclusive of the people living in it, will be in approximately the same manner as 20 you left it/them.Now think of how many other assumptions that we caninclude in this list. Also, think of the most extreme, vile,cruel, evil, catastrophic ways that these assumptions can

casino that we cannot leave, or even decide to abstain from favour, i.e don’t make yourself or the people who depend ongambling; trauma is a wake-up call about the real world not you any easier targets for the chaos of the world.being obligated to fulfil our expectations. 2. In the event of stress/trauma/catastrophe, ensure that youTrauma is information that forces us out of necessary and the people who depend on you, know that the capacityignorance. to withstand is present. We can work on our own self-confidence, but it is also critical that we are supportive,2. Go back to your scenario.You are now awake to the fact and be supported.that the world is a dangerously unpredictable place.What do As humans, we need to believe that the world is weaker thanyou do?Who do you have? Is it possible to pick up the pieces? it actually is i.e. willful ignorance. We also need to makeCan you and your support system(s), take back any of the ourselves as strong as possible, individually AND as a group;power that the world has taken from you? remind those around you that you support them in difficultYour answer to this relates to your level of resilience. times. Some people argue that the single most critical element ofDeep down, we all know that we have much less control over England’s survival of WWII, was KingGeorgeVI’s reassurancethe external world than we would like. But, the extent to “Keep Calm and Carry On”. In that seemingly tamewhich we are confident in our (internal and external) statement, was actually the underlying assurance that evenresources and their ability to make us persevere through though the world was literally falling apart, every man,these “ground zero”-type experiences, our subjective woman and child had the full support, protection andexperience of trauma will be regulated. consideration of the Crown, which in itself, is the collectiveThe extent to which we are traumatized is directly related to power of the realm.our perceived ability to control our environment. Reality was clear. Resilience, capacity and support was clearer.Therefore, awake + powerlessness =TRAUMAWhat does this mean for practical purposes?1.We can put reasonable measures in place to tip the odds in 21

Victim and Witness Support Unit – Shemuel London Corporate Communications OfficerW hen a single violent crime is committed, it can have a severe negative impact on the lives of many. Witnesses to crime, victims and persons closely related or located to victims of crime, can struggleto cope in the aftermath of these traumatic occurrences.Many suffer with serious psychological issues, whilesimultaneously having to participate in the criminal justiceprocess to secure convictions against perpetrators ofcrimes. There have been several instances where victimsand witnesses falter when having to deal with intimidatingand unfamiliar judicial procedures, because of their inabilityto manage the emotional and psychological stressesintroduced by these experiences. Such unfortunate eventscan inevitably lead to acquittals for criminal suspects.This is just one of the many reasons that informed the recommendation aimed at transforming the Police Service.establishment of the Victim and Witness Support Unit The larger-scale implementation of the Unit occurred in(VWSU) within the the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service 2011, under the leadership of the then Assistant(TTPS). Established in 2008, the VWSU’s main purpose is to Commissioner of Police, Margaret Sampson-Browne.provide the necessary emotional support for victims and Today, the Unit which now has a presence in 12 locations inwitnesses of crime, enabling them to manage the Trinidad, is managed by Aisha Pryce-Corbie who has beencomplications of life and the criminal justice system, after attached to the Unit from its inception.experiencing crime-induced trauma.In the infancy of the Unit, Victim Support Officers (VSOs)were attached to six ‘Model Stations’ as part of a research 22

The entire Unit is comprised of VSOs who make interventions community, where it was felt that there was a highin the lives of victims and witnesses in the aftermath of heinous incidence of sexual offences in the community. There wascrimes. Primarily, they provide highly confidential much silence about this within the community, andenvironments for their clients to express their feelings and hesitance in speaking to police officers about these issues.frustrations in treating with the new and unwanted experienceof being a crime witness or victim. They begin their The VWSU moved into the community, transforming theinterventions with individual clients by firstly conducting a police station in the area into a boutique filled with donatedpsychosocial assessment. According to Ms. Pryce-Corbie, food and clothing items. Residents were invited to visit,“there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Persons experiencing interact with officers and staff, and acquire any items theycrime-based trauma have different levels of resilience, varying needed free of charge. They also hosted a Christmas treatamounts of support from existing social networks and differ on for the children in the community. These initiatives led to aa number of other issues, we also have to consider, such as their significant measure of trust being built between residentsmedical and employment status.” and the Police in the community. An influx of referrals to the VWSU followed these initiatives, which led to a permanentBased on these assessments, officers then offer their clients presence of the Unit being instituted in Sangre Grande.assistance to help them cope with the intricacies of managinglife in the aftermath of these unpleasant occurrences. Many TheVictim andWitness Support Unit also designs initiatives,require more pragmatic solutions such as referrals to and aimed at making interventions at a national level. Mostinformation about available social recently, the Unit hosted a one-dayservices like National Insurance, workshop entitled “ConfrontingFood Cards and Burial Grants. Crime, particularly Fear: Managing Life After AViolentClients are also provided with gruesome crimes, often Crime”, at the National Racquetadvice and support in preparing for Centre, Tacarigua on Friday 27ththe various aspects of the relevant October, 2017. Head of thelegal processes they are required to times has ripple e ects. Homicide Bureau of Investigationsengage with in the pursuit of Beyond the individual ACP (Ag.) Anthony James, whojustice, such as providing witness directly a ected, families spoke at the event, emphasizedstatements, attending the importance of assisting victimsidentification parades and in developing the necessary copingdelivering court testimonies. and even entire mechanisms, in the aftermath ofVSOs very often accompany communities can violent crimes. He also indicatedclients to various courts, to frequently su er from that the Bureau will lean heavily onprovide emotional support. In the VSWU in the future for theaddition to these, clients are provision of these services.provided with para-therapeutic crime-based trauma when The VSWU performs numeroussupport in the form of these incidents occur. other functions within the TTPScounselling if necessary, giventhat most members of the Unit upon request, such as providingare certified counselors. training for officers on how to deal with victims of domestic violence.Crime, particularly gruesome crimes, often times has ripple VSOs also liaise with victims on behalf of police officers,effects. Beyond the individual directly affected, families keeping them updated on their schedules for appearing inand even entire communities can frequently suffer from court, giving statements etc. They have also beencrime-based trauma when these incidents occur. A most instrumental in setting up many support groups innotable incidence of this occurred in the Brasso Seco communities. In addition to helping to secure convictionscommunity in 2014, after the awful kidnapping and murder for perpetrators of crime, the Unit’s work also goes a longof community members. This was particularly troubling for way towards curbing recidivism and preventing victims fromthe residents, even though the perpetrator was swiftly themselves becoming criminals in the future. Especially incaught by police, as both the accused and the victims of the the case of child victims, theVWSU works closely with thesecrimes came from the community. A structured targeted individuals to ensure that they are steered away fromapproach was employed by the VWSU which saw group wanting to resort to criminal activity in any bid to seektherapy sessions focused on coping and psychoeducation, vengeance.being conducted for both community members andstudents at a school. “It’s a rewarding feeling to see the impact on the lives of the victims we assist,” Ms. Pryce-Corbie said. “HearingMany untraditional community interventions are also someone say that the work we do positively affected theiremployed to assist victims in getting the help they need. Ms. lives and assists them at the point they need it most, makesPryce-Corbie related an intervention made in the Matelot the hard work all worth it.”ReferencesMastrofski, S. D., & Lum, C., (2008). Meeting the challenges of police governance inTrinidad andTobago. Policing: A Journal of Policy and Practice, 2(4), 481–496 23

No.14362 Sergeant Dale Joseph, BSc, MSc Cyber Crime UnitT his report summarizes current trends in cybercrime, impersonates an executive (often the CEO), and attempts to and best practices for individuals and enterprises in get an employee, customer, or vendor to transfer funds or dealing with cyber-attacks. Additionally, this report sensitive information to the criminal. Unlike traditional includes cybercrime profiles in Trinidad and Tobago, phishing attacks, which target a large number of individualsdescribing current efforts by the Trinidad and Tobago Police across a company, BEC attacks are highly focused. CriminalsService (TTPS) in building the framework needed for scour through compromised email inboxes, study recentinvestigations of cybercrimes and assistance in cybersecurity company news, and research employees on social media sitesstrategies at a national level. in order to make these fraudulent emails look as authentic asBroadly, the trend locally is that mechanisms for dealing possible. This method of high level targeting enables thesewith cybercrime are not prioritized by some institutions and email scams to slip through spam filtersentities, and many lack coherent strategies on effectively and evade email whitelistingmanaging these issues. However, there exists an emerging campaigns. It alsoawareness in both private and public sectors of the threatposed by cybercrime, and this may signal a readiness forcooperation with law enforcement and improvedcybersecurity infrastructure inTrinidad andTobago.The volume, scope and cost of cybercrime have the potentialto cripple small to medium-size organizations inTrinidad andTobago, as investment in cybersecurity are minimal. Thefollowing are the types of technology based crime that havebeen frequently reported over the past twelve months inTrinidad andTobago.1: Business Email Compromise (BEC)A BEC is a form of phishing attack where a cyber-criminal 24

makes it much, much harder for provides opportunity for this to change.TheTTPS along withemployees to recognize the email is local and international stakeholders remain committed tonot legitimate. reduce and eliminate Darknet abuse and nefarious internet2: Ransomware activity.Ransomware and banking Trojans (a 6:Threatening Social Media Posts and Defamation.malicious programme used to obtain There have been a number of threatening posts made onconfidential information about customers social media, some involving individuals holding public office.and clients using online banking and Defamatory posting and character assassination reports onpayment systems) have been observed to be social media have also increased over the period in question.the top malware threats locally. Suspects were identified and persons have been charged for3: Payment fraud offences committed using this medium.EMV (chip and PIN), geo-blocking and other The prolific rate of technological advancement in theindustry measures continue to erode card-related Republic ofTrinidad andTobago has resulted in new methodsfraud within the Trinidad and Tobago, but malware for nefarious enterprise. Consequently, the types of reportsattacks directly against ATMs and advancedskimming devices continue to evolve and proliferate. made by victims and the4: Online Sexual Offences investigative approaches of localThe use of end-to-end encrypted platforms for sharing law enforcement are quicklymedia, coupled with lack of BYOD policy enforcement, have adjusting to combat thesecontributed to the slow solvability rates of these occurrences, technology based criminalhowever continuous awareness strategies and discussions activities.with various stakeholders have spawned a vibrant culture of These advancements have alsocitizens being cyber-smart. provided law enforcement with5: Abuse of the Darknet tools and capabilities to enhanceThe Darknet has enabled criminal involvement in a range of investigations from bothillicit activities, such as the exchange of child sexual qualitative and quantitativeexploitation material. The extent to which extremist groups perspectives. The TTPS hascurrently use cyber techniques to conduct attacks are limited, developed legal, investigative,but the availability of cybercrime tools and services, and awareness and collaborativecommunication regarding illicit commodities on the Darknet, frameworks with the assistance of numerous local and international Source: www.accenture.com Accenture-2017-CostCyberCrimeStudy.pdf entities and stakeholders to combat cybercrime from a holistic perspective. 25

SADenriazuulgyrseisngSince January 2013 to September 2017, over TT$537,710,000 worth of marijuana and TT$691,080,000 worth of cocaine have been taken off the streets Shane Jitta Corporate Communications Officert rinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) European market. continues to embark on robust drug interdiction Drug interdiction and arrests for narcotic offences by local law exercises throughout the country, making great enforcement have been successful over the past five years. strides in investigating and prosecuting complex These seizures and arrests are also positively reflected in thedrug cases that target Organised Criminal Gangs (OCGs) local and regional media due to the large quantities, worthand Networks. Trinidad and Tobago also shows its strong and the persons, both males and females, involved. Thecommitment to drug control, through various bilateral increased detection and interception of illegal drugs serve asand intelligence sharing agreements, such as the a strong deterrent to those involved in the illicit trade andCaribbean Basin Security Initiative and extradition those persons who are considering entering into the activity.treaties, with countries where drugs originate and are Over the past five years, the Trinidad and Tobago public hasdestined. Support from these countries in the fight against been bombarded with headlines about vast quantities andthe drug dealers, is reciprocated in the form of specialized the value of marijuana and cocaine being regularly seized bytraining, equipment and technology for local law law enforcement officers.The interdiction efforts paint a clearenforcement officers. This reciprocation results in the picture that this country is a major transit point for thegrowing ability and innovation of local law enforcement to multi-million dollar trade and local law enforcement istrack the highly flexible criminal groups which run the drug tackling the problem head-on. With the use of the latesttrade. equipment and technology, increased manpower resourcesAccording to the International Narcotics Control Strategy on the ground and enhanced intelligence gatheringReport on Trinidad and Tobago 2016, drug use occurs capabilities, the TTPS has steadily been making inroads intoacross all socio-economic classes of the country, with the dismantling the drug trade over the past few years.primary drugs widely trafficked being, marijuana and In 2013, over 53,771 kilogrammes of marijuana valued at overcocaine.The report notes that marijuana is the only known TT$537.7 million was seized and 4,154 persons arrested forlocally-produced illicit drug, with production being possession of marijuana and possession of marijuana for theconcentrated on small farms in the heavily forested, purpose of trafficking. Cocaine seizures that year amountedmountainous regions of Eastern, Southern and Central to 172.95 kilogrammes, valued at TT$691 million dollars, withTrinidad. Other illicit drugs, primarily cocaine, but also 1,000 persons being arrested for possession of the drug andsmall amounts of heroin and ecstasy, are trafficked possession for the purpose of trafficking. Over the past fivethrough the country by transnational organized crime years, 2013, saw the most number arrests for narcoticgroups operating in Trinidad and Tobago, exploiting its offences, with a total of 5,154 persons (346 females and 4,808close proximity to Venezuela and vulnerabilities at ports of males), being held by law enforcement officers.entry. The main destination for these substances is the 26

Notably, the seizures and arrests for both Cocaine and Marijuana seized from Surinamese national at Piarcocategories for narcotics drastically fell in the nextyear, with 1,186.56 kilogrammes of marijuana and Cocaine, marijuana, firearms and ammuntion seized inValsayn148.94 kilogrammes of cocaine being seized.There by the Organised Crime and Intelligence Unit (OCIU).was also a reduction in the number of arrests fornarcotic offences for 2014, with there being 4,450 Marijuana field found in Toco by Sangre Grande Task Forcepersons (326 females and 4,128 males) held for officers.possession and trafficking drugs. The year 2015,however, witnessed a minor increase in the seizuresfor both marijuana and cocaine, with 2,540.68kilogrammes and 391.61 kilogrammes respectivelyfalling into the hands of law enforcement. Thenumber of arrests however, continued on a downward trend, with4,495 persons (367 females and 4,128 males) being held for offences.From 2015 to 2016 the number of seizures dropped with marijuanaseizures falling by 1,719.62 kilogrammes and cocaine seizuresdropping by 25.85 kilogrammes. The number of arrests also fell in2016, with 3,982 persons (253 females and 3,729 males) being held, 512persons, down from 2015. This trend continued into 2017. BetweenJanuary and September, 2017, cocaine seizures decreased from 365.76kilogrammes to 40.91 kilogrammes, while arrests dipped from 3,982persons to 3,782 persons. Only marijuana seizures increased by 60.24kilogrammes during the period.Since January 2013 to September 2017, over TT$537,710,000 worth ofmarijuana and TT$691,080,000 worth of cocaine have been taken offthe streets ofTrinidad andTobago, while close to 22,000 persons havebeen arrested for narcotic offences. These figures show thetremendous efforts being undertaken by this country’s lawenforcement agencies in tackling the illicit drug trade and removingdrug pushers and users from the streets. The demand reductionexercises launched by theTTPS, such as lectures and displays, are alsogeared toward diminishing the appetite and interest in illegalnarcotics.The constant targeting of known drug blocks and known offendersinvolved in the drug trade plays a critical role in deterrence of drugactivities and improving the detection rate, as it relates to druginterdictions. Additionally, as coastal vigilance increases and strictersecurity controls are implemented at the nation’s ports of entry, theprevalence of illicit drugs entering the country is expected to decrease.Furthermore, a soft approach to policing in communities plagued bydrug addiction and abuse, helps the TTPS build awareness about thedangers of drug use among the populace, especially the youth, whoare targeted by drug dealers to participate in their illegal activities.Quite often, officers launch anti-crime and drug eradication exercisesbased on information received from members of the public aboutillegal activities occurring in their communities. This cooperationbetween citizens and theTTPS underscores the idea that everyone hasa part to play in stamping out the drug trade in Trinidad and Tobago.Furthermore, the number of drug seizures and arrests are indicatorsthat these community interventions are proving to be effective.Notwithstanding the many varied attempts by criminals to grow theillicit trade of drugs in Trinidad and Tobago, the TTPS stands firm andready to break up the networks through which the dangerous anddeadly substances are trafficked.Through consistently strong policing,inter-agency collaborations coupled with engaging the citizenry, thedrug scourge in the country is being tackled head-on with positiveresults. 27

MINISTRY OF NATIONAL SECURITY The National Crime Prevention Programme:Collaborating for Crime PreventionW ith a view to creating a holistic approach to crime to the State’s response to the communities’ needs. fighting and improving citizen security, the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, The programme will be executed on a phased basis and will through the Ministry of National Security, has be led by:approved the establishment of a National Crime PreventionProgramme (NCPP). 1. An Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee to provideThis initiative will be implemented in keeping with the current strategic direction and guidance for the Programme.administration's Whole-of-Government Approach to treatwith this country’s issues, including National Security and 2. The NCPP Secretariat to facilitate all activities necessaryPublic Safety. In this vein, the Ministry of National Security is to implement and maintain the NCPP.engaging in a collaborative partnership with other ministries,as well as public and private sector stakeholders, to execute 3. Fifteen (15) Community Crime Prevention Councilsthis programme nationwide. representing the 14 Municipalities in Trinidad and theThe NCPP will strongly impact crime prevention by engaging Tobago House ofAssembly (THA) inTobago.Councils willcommunities as strategic partners to create social change, by interface directly with their respective communities toefficiently managing resources to assist in reversing the determine their needs in order to respond appropriately.elements which contribute to the challenges facing the citizenryin terms of fear of crime, criminality and social disorder across 4. Community Liaison Officers to mobilize communitiesthe country. This programme will engage, educate and through consultation and collaboration with authoritiesempower communities by providing an avenue to access within the various municipalities.government services in response to their specific needs. TheNCPP’s approach is bottom-up to facilitate the empowerment The National Crime Prevention Programme reflectsof communities to make government’s drive to create a collaborative partnershipdecisions and will provide among all organizations, institutions, stakeholders and thefeedback to the public to engender social change and thus make Trinidadgovernment, thus ensuring and Tobago a safer and more peaceful place to live.that decision makers arekept informed of the statusof progress with respectMinister of National Security, MajorGeneral (Ret'd) the HonourableEdmund Dillon, (centre) is flankedby Minister of LocalGovernment,the Honourable Kazim Hosein andParliamentary Secretary in theMinistry of National Security,GlendaJennings-Smith, at thefirst NCPP Stakeholder Meetingheld at the Ministry of RuralDevelopment and LocalGovernment.Also pictured are several key stakeholders in national security, among them PermanentSecretary, Ministry of NationalSecurity,LydiaJacobs, PermanentSecretary, Ministry of Rural Development and LocalGovernment, Desdra Bascombe, and Deputy PermanentSecretary Ministry of NationalSecurity, FloretteClarke. 28

Progress and Challenges in the Fight Against Corruption on a National, Regional and Global Level Dion Abdool Chair - Trinidad & Tobago Transparency Institute Then Commissioner of Police (Ag.), Harold Phillip addresses theTrinidad and Tobago Transparency Institute Anti-Corruption Conference 2017T rinidad & Tobago Transparency Institute (TTTI) Transparency International Norway gave insights into her hosted its annual Anti-Corruption Conference at work in a country which, according to the Corruption Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre in Port of Perception Index, is one of the least corrupt in the world. Spain on Thursday 28th September 2017. The Attendees also got the chance to listen to anti-corruptionevent was held under the theme 'Breaking Free from a activists from Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Barbados andCulture of Corruption'. The conference was an invitation Jamaica, which allowed them to get an idea about theto all citizens to join TTTI in its mission “to stop progress and challenges in the fight against corruption on acorruption and promote transparency, accountability national as well as on a regional and global level. Thenand integrity at all levels and across all sectors of our Commissioner of Police (Ag.) Harold Phillip, presentedsociety”. The Conference was a forum where statistics on white collar crime in Trinidad and Tobago andstakeholders from the public and private sectors as well described the Police’s efforts in combating same and itsas civil society groups discussed the issues of governance successes to date.and best practices for addressing corruption. The highlight of the Conference was the launch of a pilotThe Honourable Attorney General, Faris Al-Rawi was also study for the implementation of Character/Integrity Clubspresent at the conference and in his message he called in primary and secondary schools throughout Trinidad andfor improvements in the justice and accountability Tobago.systems in Trinidad and Tobago. Another interesting The event was rounded off by spoken word and theatricalperspective on theConference's theme was offered by performances which did not fail to provide the audienceDr. Huguette Labelle, former chair of Transparency with food for thought about every citizen’s role in fightingInternational who spoke about corruption as a global corruption.issue with many different faces. Guro Slettermark from 29

Employing Procedural Justice to Improve Police Legitimacyin Trinidad and Tobago Assistant Superintendent (Ag.) Andre Norton, MSt., MSc., BSc., MCSE Crime & Problem Analysis BranchAn Occasion for Procedural Justice It is known publicly that legitimacy is a major challenge facingThe primary purpose for empowering a legal authority is to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS). The solutionestablish and maintain social order through compliance to requires rebuilding public trust and confidence in ourenacted laws. In order to appreciate the concepts of police organization. In some disaffected communities, we have seenlegitimacy and procedural justice, it is important to first in many instances citizens distancing themselves from theunderstand why people obey the law. Research has advanced police to the extent that they have become reluctant totwo perspectives for compliance, namely instrumental and cooperate with the TTPS in its efforts to more effectivelynormative. The former is where obedience to the law is manage crime. Despite empirical evidence which supports theobserved because any violation results in severe sanctions organization’s achievement of increased objective(Nagin, 1998) and in the latter, people obey the law because performances, there is still the need to improve legitimacy inthey view the authority (police) enforcing the law as having the parallel.right to dictate behavior (Tyler, 2006). What is Procedural Justice?Issues that are central to policing in Trinidad and Tobago have As an organization we have access to a number of promisingexperienced changes over time. One such central issue is that and evidence-based practices from which we can draw uponof police legitimacy which refers to the trust and confidence when attempting to solve agency challenges. One suchwhich citizens exercise in the police by accepting their authority promising and evidence-based practice is that of proceduraland believing that the police have the moral authority to justice – the notion that whenever citizens encounter the policeenforce the law (Tankebe, 2008). A police agency is considered they are more concerned about how they are treated ratherlegitimate when the public thinks that the agency’s personnel than the outcome of that encounter. Procedural justice ishave the moral right to exercise authority in their community. fundamentally concerned with the transparency and fairness ofTherefore, public trust is central to policing. the decision making processes and therefore provides an idealSir Robert Peel (1849), who is considered the father of modern platform to begin addressing the legitimacy challenge facingday policing, had stated in one of his nine (9) policing principles theTTPS.that “the ability of police to perform their duties is dependent Each encounter between a police officer and a citizen is aupon public approval of police existence, actions, behavior and ‘teachable moment’ (Tyler, 2011).When police modus operandithe ability to secure and maintain public respect.” Enshrined in are consistent with the principles of procedural justice, citizensthis principle is the concept of policing by consent, thereby are more likely to obey the law, cooperate with police and defermaking legitimacy a first principle for effective policing. to legal authority. Within recent times police legitimacy and 30

The principles of procedural justice o ers anevidence-based approach for enhancing legitimacy with the potential for reducing crime as anadded benefit as citizens becoming more compliantprocedural justice have converged and have become a focal I am compelled to draw from my personal experience, apoint for discussion in law enforcement circles. recent encounter with a fellow officer. I vividly recall that sometime ago while driving to work I had to veer off the mainProcedural Justice in Action highway unto a secondary road to attend to an urgent ‘call ofIn order to operationalize the principles of procedural justice as nature’. When I attempted to make a legitimate re-entrya methodology within the TTPS, it is recommended that in onto the highway a police officer was at the re-entry pointeach police-citizen encounter, the following four (4) core diverting traffic to another direction. He beckoned me toprinciples be applied: proceed in the other direction when I stopped with a view of explaining to him why I ended up where I was. I placed myselfVoice: in an unsworn role as an average citizen and before I • Every police officer should make it his/her business to attempted to utter an explanation I was angrily dismissed by explain to citizens the reason for him/her taking a the officer in an unprofessional manner and was given no particular course of action. Using a stop and search or opportunity to voice my side of the story despite several the issuance of a traffic ticket as two illustrative attemtps. examples. Citizens appreciate being told why they are This situation potentially created an ideal opportunity for an being stopped or searched or why are they being officer-citizen confrontation and admittedly I was crestfallen issued a ticket. In any of these two instances the public by the officer’s action. However, being cognizant of my must be given an opportunity to tell their side of the status as a police officer I complied despite my disapproval story or give an explanation (voice). Research has with the officer’s approach. Clearly, none of the elements of shown that citizens care more about being given a procedural justice were present during that encounter. ‘voice’ despite the final outcome of the encounter. To address situations like these, a rigorous regime of training in the principles of legitimacy and procedural justice isTransaction Neutrality: recommended for police officers. There is sufficient research • Each citizen ought to be treated with dignity and that points to the benefits of incorporating these principles in respect by police officers in every citizen-police the policing toolkit of every officer which may potentially encounter in keeping with our shared values of heighten the likelihood of generating greater public support professionalism, respect, integrity, dignity and and goodwill for our organization. excellence (PRIDE). Conclusion Typically police officers are the entry point for processingDignity and Respect: people in the criminal justice system. By applying the • In interacting with members of the public, every principles of procedural justice as part of our daily policing individual must be able to assess whether the decisions delivery, we can reshape the public's perception of our work made by an officer is not illegitimately based on and by extension our police service. factors such as race, sex or where the person resides A reduced budget and other ‘belt tightening’ measures but rather is fair, grounded in fact and transparent. simply means that the organization now has to do more with fewer resources.The principles of procedural justice offers anTrustworthiness: evidence-based approach for enhancing legitimacy with the • In every encounter with an officer, people are potential for reducing crime as an added benefit as citizens constantly trying to assess whether the police, whom become more compliant. Thereby the TTPS can be they know has legal authority over them, can be transformed into a proverbial ‘win-win’ position. trusted to treat them benevolently in the future.To further justify a case for procedural justice within theTTPS, 31

Police Stand in with Prisons OfficersCommissioner of Police (Ag.) StephenWilliams and Commissioner of Prisons (Ag.)William Alexander at a joint media briefing hosted by theTTPS. We want to give the prisons officers the assurance that we will not be standing aside while they are under attack. The TTPS sees the Prisons Service as part of the family of law enforcement. - Commissioner of Police (Ag.) StephenWilliams 32

The Commissioner of Prisons (Ag.) William Alexander, expressed his appreciation for the support hereceived from the Commissioner of Police.T he Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has The Commissioner of Prisons (Ag.) Alexander, expressed renewed and increased its operational support his appreciation for the support he received from the for the nation’s prisons officers. This was Commissioner of Police and the National Security Council confirmed by Commissioner of Police (Ag.) in the aftermath of the attacks on prisons officers. “I mustStephen Williams at a joint media briefing, hosted with say that the support I am getting from these persons (sic) isCommissioner of Prisons (Ag.) William Alexander, at the tremendous,”CommissionerAlexander said.Police Administration Building on November 6th 2017. While theTTPS has increased its security and threat responseCommissioner Williams, affirmed the implementation of mechanisms for prisons officers, the police have experiencedstrategic measures, aimed at increasing protection and the success in apprehending suspects in the murders ofsense of safety of prisons officers and the taking of swift prisons officers. Specifically, the police have solved theaction in response to any threat to their lives. murder of No. 2832 Prisons Officer I Dominic Bernard ,This followed the murders of No. 2791 Prisons Officer I who was killed on the June 15th, 2014; successfullyRichard Martin Sandy and No. 2892 Prisons Officer I charged a suspect for the June 29th, 2016 murder of No.Glenford Gardner, the attempted shooting of another 4143 Prisons Officer I Rishi Sankar and also solved theprisons officer in Sangre Grande and threats made to the murder of No. 3410 Prisons Officer Robert Seecharan, wholives of several prisons officers in 2017. was killed on July 29th, 2016.\"As an organisation, theTrinidad andTobago Police Service Speaking directly to prisons officers concerned by theis treating every single report of threat to a prisons officer more recent horrific murders of prisons officers,as an extremely serious matter. We’ve given clear Commissioner Williams emphasized the TTPS’s solidaritydirectives to all the divisional commanders that they need with the Prisons Service and the desire to collaborate toto treat this as priority number one.They are to investigate eliminate such incidences from occurring in the future.immediately and to report on the outcome of those “We want to give the prisons officers the assurance that weinvestigations to the Deputy Commissioner of Police will not be standing aside while they are under attack. The(Crime) in a timely manner,” Commissioner Williams TTPS sees the Prisons Service as part of the family of lawdeclared. enforcement. We have to be able to team up together toThe forceful position adopted by the Commissioner of address the criminal elements. We have to be strong andPolice, followed a meeting of the National Security stand up, and as society we cannot allow the criminals toCouncil, which was chaired by the Prime Minister and win any battle,” Commissioner Williams declared.included the Attorney General, the Minister of NationalSecurity and the Chief of Defence Staff. 33

UFsoerocf e Inspector (Ag.) Kazim Ali Legal UnitF rom time to time, police officers, in the lawful execution of their duties are required to use force.The degree of force used is determined by the threat perceived by the officer. It is therefore incumbent upon the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service to seek to create awareness and sensitize the public as to the laws and any policy provision that guides an officer in the application of force in any given situation to which he/she is confronted or faced with.According to Section 4(1) of the Criminal Law Act Chapter 10:04 which codifies the common law:4. (1) A person may use such force as is reasonable in the circumstances in the prevention of crime, or in effecting or assisting in thelawful arrest of offenders or suspected offenders or of persons unlawfully at large.(2) Subsection (1) shall replace the rules of the common law on the question when force used for a purpose mentioned in thesubsection is justified by that purpose.What this means is that if a police officer is confronted with a situation which requires that officer to use some degree of force,they may do so in circumstances such as crime prevention, when assisting/effecting a lawful arrest or when a person isunlawfully at large. However, the force used must be reasonable, proportionate and necessary in all circumstances. 34

Force is neverthe preferred choiceforo cers, neitheris it somethingthattheyenjoyusing. Use offorcemaybecome necessaryforo cersto e ectivelyperformtheirduties.The classic case that deals with self-defence is the Privy assault, obstruct, or resist a police officer or a personCouncil decision in Palmer V The Queen which is followed assisting the police officer in the execution of his duty.”in many Caribbean jurisdictions, and which laid down thefollowing principles: The obstruction must be 'willful', meaning the accused person must act (or refuse to act) deliberately, knowing • A person who is attacked is entitled to defend their self; and intending that this act will obstruct the police officer. • In defending their self, they are entitled to do what is The motive for the act is irrelevant and is considered a summary offence which carries a fine of $10,000 and up to necessary; two years imprisonment. • The defensive action must not be out of proportion to For example, many instances of obstruction relate to a the attack; physical and violent obstruction of an officer in a public • In a moment of crisis a person may not be able to order or arrest situation. weigh precisely the exact measure of his necessary Some examples of the type of conduct which may defensive action; constitute the offence of obstructing a police officer • In a moment of anguish, a person may do what they include: honestly and instinctively thought was necessary; • Alerting a person that their premises will be searched • If there has been no attack then the issue of by the police; self-defence does not arise. • Giving warning to other motorists of a police speed trap ahead;It is important to bear in mind when assessing whether theforce used was reasonable, the words of Lord Morris in Palmer • A person giving a false name and/or address;V R 1971, “A man who is attacked in circumstances where he • A witness giving a false name and/or address;reasonably believes his life is to be in danger or that he is in • Refusing to allow a police officer to enter premises indanger of serious bodily harm, may use such force as onreasonable grounds he believes is necessary to prevent and resist possession of a search warrant;the attack and if in using such force he kills his assailant he is not • Sitting on the bonnet of a vehicle when it is beingguilty of any crime even if the killing was intentional…” towed away by the police.Further to this, it is important to note that police officers aregranted certain powers to execute their duties. The primary Remember, force is never the preferred choice for officers,duties are the protection of life and property, preservation of neither is it something that they enjoy using. Nevertheless,the peace, and prevention and detection of criminal offences. use of force may become necessary for officers to effectively perform their duties.While the use of force may be necessary,Therefore, in carrying out their mandate, officers are the introduction of Body-Worn Cameras acts as a check andsometimes obstructed and hindered by the public in the balance against abuses, which includes an officers use ofexecution of their duties which may lead to the use of force. force. This initiative is perceived by many to be a promising way for law enforcement to achieve several of its aimsIn Section 59 of the Police Service Act Chapter 15:01, the including reducing citizen complaints, improving evidenceoffence of obstructing a police officer is committed when a gathering and public confidence in the police and policeperson “willfully assaults, obstructs, or resists a police officer in legitimacy.the execution of his duty, or aids or incites another person so to 35

Execution of Snr. Supt. (Ag.) John Frederick Court & Process BranchWarrantsT he Court and Process Branch of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is responsible for ensuring all prisoners are safely escorted to and from the various penal institutions in the country, the preserving of order in and around the precincts of the Court, executing and serving warrants and summons, data capturing of all warrants throughout theTTPS and the prosecution of matters in the Magistracy.In the interest of the public, there is a need to raise awareness on a particular aspect of the work of the Court and ProcessBranch as it relates to the Execution of Warrants.A warrant refers to a document issued by competent authority, upon information on oath, directing a person or personsnamed therein to apprehend a person or to enter premises to conduct search or to seize articles mentioned therein. There are several types of warrants: • Affiliation/Maintenance Warrant - is issued for the arrest of a parent who is in default of child/children support payment to the Court. A Maintenance Warrant is issued for the arrest of a husband or wife who is in default of maintenance payment made payable to the Court. • Bench Warrant - A document issued by the High Court to mandate the appearance of an individual before the court. • Distress Warrant - It is issued for the seizure and sale of moveable property belonging to a person who is in default of the payment of a fine imposed by the Court. • First Instance Warrant (F.I.) - is for the apprehension of a person who is undergoing a term of imprisonment or is on remand at a State Prison or Institution. • Ejectment Warrant - It is issued by the Court to expel a tenant from premises named in the warrant. • Remand Warrant - This authorises the relevant authorities to keep in custody the person named in the warrant and to produce him before the court on the date and time specified. • Search Warrant - Authorises police officers to enter and search the premises named in the warrant for evidence, stolen articles or any other thing unlawfully obtained; • Time Allowed Commitment Warrant (T.A.C.) - It is issued for the apprehension of a defendant/ accused who is in default of the payment of a fine imposed by a court in lieu of a prison term. 37

A SEARCH WARRANT MUST BE IN THE POSSESSION OF THE OFFICER, WHOIS REQUIRED TO READ THE WARRANT TO THE OCCUPANT/OCCUPANTS OFTHE PREMISES, SEARCH WARRANTS CAN BE ISSUED BY A MAGISTRATEOR JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.Warrants from the aforementioned categories can be premises of a person where a police officer satisfies theexecuted at any place and any time. In the instance where Magistrate or Justice of the Peace that he has reasonablea warrant calls for a person to be arrested, the arresting cause to suspect that grounds exist to justify the issuanceofficer does not need to be in possession of the actual of a warrant. These grounds must be sworn on oath. Thewarrant, however the person in question must be told the search warrant must be in the possession of the officerreason for the arrest and the warrant read to the prisoner who is required to read the warrant to theas soon as practicable. It is also understood that occupant/occupants of the premises. At the conclusion ofreasonable force can be used to enter a premises to the search the warrant is backed or certified and mustexecute these warrants, but the warrant must be in the include the date, time, place, occupants present and thepossession of the arresting officer. names of the police officers directly involved in the searchWith regards to a search warrant, a Magistrate or Justice and anything related to the warrant or any other breachof the Peace may issue a search warrant to search the that has been found. Entry may be gained by using force if the occupant refuses to permit entry voluntarily. 36

PCA Mobile ApplicationO n September 29th, 2017 the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) launched its mobile application called ‘PCATrinidad &Tobago’. This mobile app was developed to provide a modern and moreconvenient method for members of the public to make a complaint tothe PCA. Users of the mobile app now have the opportunity to be the‘eyes and ears’ of the PCA, by submitting real-time reports and feedbackfrom their mobile devices to the PCA.The PCA mobile app is designed to enhance users’ experience with thefollowing features:• Users will immediately receive the latest updates regarding PCA news and releases via push notifications.• Users are able to access and download PCA publications.• Users are able to take photos and record both audio and video to include in their reports to the PCA.• Users are able to attach files stored on their mobile device to complement a report.• Users are able to offer feedback and comments about the app or the PCA.• The app will allow the user to view his/her list of all submitted reports with a report number, status and update.All reports submitted via the app are secure and will be treated with thehighest levels of confidentiality.Within the first two months since its launch there have been over onethousand (1,000) downloads of the PCA app. The PCA app is availablefor Android Kit-Kat (4.4) to current Nougat (7.1.1) and IOS 9 to currentIOS 11. The PCA app is free to download and can be found on both theApple and Google Play Stores. 38

A Certificate of Character is an official document issued by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service which states whether aperson has any previous conviction(s) recorded against him/her.Who may apply for a Certificate of Character? Overseas Residents: Foreign residents will be required to -A citizen ofTrinidad andTobago or of any foreign countrywho previously lived inTrinidad andTobago may apply for • Have their fingerprints recorded at a police station in thea Certificate of Character. country where they reside.How do I apply for a Certificate of Character? • If the fingerprints are not taken in a police station, then the prints must be certified by an authorized Notary Public • Visit any police station with a valid TT identification and the Notary Public’s stamp affixed. card, driver’s permit or passport (foreign nationals can use a valid passport) • Supply a copy of the bio-data page of their passport. • Send a money order equivalent of fifty dollars local • Pay a fee of fifty dollars local currency (TT$50.00) • An official receipt will be issued. currency (TT$50.00) and the cost of return postage.How soon will I receive my Certificate of Character? Send the above documents by registered mail to: Office of the Senior Superintendent,Within one week after application was made. It is Criminal Investigations Department and Criminaladvisable to telephone the respective police station to Records Officeconfirm whether theCertificate ofCharacter is ready to be Riverside Plaza, 8th Floor,collected. Besson Street, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad andTobago, W.I.The office of the Senior SuperintendentCID/CRO shall cause the completedCertificate ofCharacter to bereturned to its origin by Registered Mail within seven (7) days of receipt. 39

THEUNKNOWN LINK TRAFFICAND CRIME Marlon Alphonse and Ayanna Bradshaw Research Specialists Traffic and Highway Patrol BranchI n a time where the country seems overburdened usually berated when they conduct road traffic with lawlessness, with words such as homicide and exercises more specifically aimed at enforcing laws theft plastered in the daily headlines, persons have pertaining to roadways’ speed limits and/or driving become conditioned to associate only these as under the influence. However, such traffic offencescrimes. However, a crime in its simplest form is an illegal act are serious in nature and pose a greater risk to thethat merits community condemnation, usually resulting in general public than many would comprehend.punishment by way of fine or imprisonment, with a myriad Recently, researchers have posed the question,of laws to differentiate them from each other.With the wider “Are those who commit serious traffic offencesmedia trumpeting headlines of doom and gloom daily, the normally law-abiding or are they more likely to beimportance of the duties of Traffic and Highway Patrol involved in other types of crime?” A study by Roseespecially when it comes to enforcing the laws of our roads (2000) attempted to link serious traffic offencesoften lead to officers being belittled by citizens. Officers are with other criminal activity by analyzing mainstream offences, other standard list offences, breaking bail and breach cases and car theft with serious traffic offenders such as drunk-drivers, disqualified drivers and dangerous drivers. It was found that drunk-drivers, for example, were twice as likely to have a previous conviction for a criminal offence as the general population. Other findings discovered that 50% of dangerous drivers had a previous conviction and 25% were reconvicted within a year. Most resoundingly however, was the fact that disqualified drivers had the highest level of criminal history with 79% having a previous conviction and 37% reconvicted within a year. In general, it was also found that the rate of involvement in road crashes for those with a criminal history compared to those 40

without one, was more than double. In apprehension of persons fleeing from the scene of a crime.1960, Porterfield found that crime rates This patrol strategy ultimately serves as a deterrent toincluding murder, burglary, aggravated potential offenders (both traffic and non-traffic) as theirassault, robbery and auto theft were chances of being arrested have increased, making the choicehighly correlated with traffic fatality of using a motor vehicle to commit crimes a more difficultrates. one.Michalowski in 1975 studied 119 For the year thus far, Traffic and Highway Patrol Branch hasvehicular homicide cases and concluded been patrolling more aggressively, with an additional 2,370that the characteristics of the victims patrols conducted, an 11% increase when compared to theand offenders of vehicular homicide same period last year. With these additional patrols, 25%were very similar to that of other violent more motorists were stopped and searched resulting in a 35%crimes. He further suggested that “the increase in the number of persons arrested with respect totendency toward aggressive behavior, outstanding warrants and doubling the number of firearmscharacteristic of a subculture of violence, recovered when compared to the same period January toinfluences the way an individual drives.” September last year.Giacopassi and Forde in 2000 examined Towards this end, moving forward as a society it is imperativethe relationship between traffic fatalities that we need to stop shrugging off the seemingly “littleand crime. Like prior studies they found things”, in this case traffic offences, and realize the connectionthe correlation between the previously that exists between a minor and major offence. So the nextmentioned problems. However, unlike time you are in a vehicle during rush hour and the driver goesprior studies, they believe that “traffic down the shoulder and is stopped by a police officer, don’t getfatalities are indices of incivility and aggression, indicating a upset with the officer. Rather commend them for their keendisregard for social conventions, leading to more serious observation and scold your driver for disregarding the law andnormative violations like homicide.” Furthermore, putting you and your fellow passengers’ life at risk.psychological theories have probed the relationshipbetween criminal behavior and traffic offences discoveringthat there exists a correlation between involvement inantisocial criminal traits and behaviors and risky or recklessdriving behavior. Broughton (2003) tested and proved thehypothesis that a driver’s willingness to commit trafficoffences tends to be associated with a willingness to commitother types of offences. These various studies results haveshown that drivers who were convicted of several non-trafficoffences were far more likely than non-offenders to alsocommit offences such as drunk driving or dangerous driving.Adding credence to the saying all drivers may not becriminals but all criminals are drivers.Armed with the knowledge gained by these studies andcountless others, the Traffic and Highway Patrol Branch hasseen it fit to effect an aggressive patrol strategy when itcomes to traffic law enforcement. Working under theconcept that the stopping, searching, questioning, andotherwise closely observing citizens, whilst performingtraffic law enforcement duties could lead to an increase inthe detection of fugitives, retrieval of stolen property orconcealed weapons, and even in some cases lead to theReferencesBroughton, J. (2003).The number of motoring and non-motoring offences. Prepared for the Road Safety Division, Department ofTransport,TRL ReportTRL562.Data Driven Approaches to Crime andTraffic Safety A Historical OverviewMichalowski, R. J. (1975).Violence on the Road:The Crime ofVehicular Homicide. Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency 12(1): 30 - 43.Giacopassi, D., & Forde, D. (2000). BrokenWindows, Crumpled Fenders and Crime. Journal of Criminal Justice 28: 397-405Rose, G (2000).The criminal histories of serious traffic offenders. London, UK: Home Office Research StudyRecords and Statistics OfficeTraffic and Highway Patrol Branch Aranguez 41

M. Rosalina Harte, ACMA.,CGMA., MBA., PgDip. Head-Finance and AccountsT he concept was first introduced by Peter A. Phyrr – a throughout ministries and departments in the public sector. In manager with the corporate firm Texas Instruments many countries it is used by both private and public sector (TI) in 1960 and published in the Harvard Business organisations. Review in 1970. Zero–based budgeting is essentially Culturally, we tend to be averse to questioning the existence ofbudgeting from the ground up, as though the budget has an item of expenditure or the size of the expenditure in ourbeen prepared for the first time, without reference to the prior organisation and partly for this reasonZBB is hardly ever spokenyear’s budget. In addition to preparing budgets, Zero-based of among accounting professionals. For some it is viewed as abudgeting (ZZB) is used to evaluate activities and items of theoretical concept only. InTrinidad andTobago, now is a goodexpenditure. ZBB compels managers to ask the bedrock time to challenge some items of expenditure. We are used toquestions which are critical to their operations such as: doing the same thing the same way for years and appear to be comfortable with the status quo. No wonder our budgets are at • Will this activity achieve the objectives? times referred to as a shopping or wish lists.ZBB will force us out • What are the minimal and optimal levels required for of that comfort zone as we seek ways of not only reducing cost, but of incurring only costs that are relevant and at the optimal the achievement of the objectives? level for us to achieve our objectives. By asking the right • Are there alternative ways of achieving the questions, new and more efficient ways of doing things can emerge. objectives or carrying out the activity? Following the presentation of the budgetary allocation to government ministries and departments for the fiscal year 2017/Having answered these questions the alternatives are then 2018, it is imperative to find effective ways to manage theevaluated and ranked in order of importance to the allotted finances without necessarily compromising quality.organisation and, finally the cost is determined and the best Most ministries have suffered reductions and are forced toalternative is selected. The main benefit of zero-base stringently manage the votes under their control. Zero-basedbudgeting is the questioning approach to budgeting/activities budget, can be a useful tool to assist us in navigating throughand items of expenditure. Implicit in this approach is the 2018.elimination of waste.A further benefit is that the strategic plan The dearth of technical support in the TTPS like most publicis kept in focus. In the current economic environment this sector organisations does impose some limitation on the scalequestioning approach is necessary to ensure that waste is of aZBB exercise. Not to be daunted, a modifiedZBB utilising aeliminated and value for money is achieved. ZBB should not few votes and starting at the minimum level rather than at zerobe confused with cost cutting which is reducing expenditure with incremental packages added until an acceptable level iswith little thought given to quality or value for money. reached, is a way forward for TTPS. With a few votes that are manageable, we can determine measurable outcomes.A major drawback of ZBB is the inordinate amount of If public sector organisations including theTTPS can identify amanagement’s time it requires. Practitioners in attempt to few areas and ask the critical questions we may well bereap the benefits have sought to use the 80:20 rule and a surprised that it is far easier and rewarding than we firstcyclical approach. The 80:20 rule in this context holds that thought. It can be done if we all at least make a first step.eighty percent of expenditure in value ($$) is located in 20percent of the items of expenditure and therefore the greatestcontrol should be applied to the twenty percent. Someorganisations therefore as a policy ensure that over afive year period,ZBB is applied to the critical twenty percent atleast once. ZBB can be applied to a number of activities 42

gorfiofnvwaisntihcoinaan,l hsdtoapbeil,ity T he Trinidad and Tobago Police Credit Union has stood as a vision of hope, growth and financial stability for the past six decades for many police officers and professionals. It was the seed of determination for betterment that grew into the idea for a financial business. It was the determination of a handful of police officers in the 1950’s, along with hard work and membership loyalty, that have led to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Credit Union (TTPCU) burgeoning into a premier financial institution. TTPCU partly owes its existence to the inability of police officers to obtain loans from other lending institutions because of Police Ordinance Chapter II No. 1, which protected Jinell John officers from being sued. Out of this untenable Marketing Officer, TTPCU situation the idea of the credit union emerged to assist officers in meeting their financial On October 12th, 1956, needs. twelve officers decided to During its fledgling stage, the TTPCU register the organisation known as membership comprised of twelve officers. ItTrinidad and Tobago Police Credit Union was on October 12th, 1956, that these twelve officers decided to register the organisation. 43 The TTPCU, which has weathered the storm for over six decades, spent its first 13 years facilitating the financial needs of the members under the stairway of the (old) Police Headquarters, and became well known as ‘Under the Steps’ and ‘Hole in theWall’.

For the first 13 years the TTPCU facilitated the financial needs of the members under the stairway of the (old) Police Headquarters, and became well known as ‘‘HUonldeeirannthtdheeSWteaplsl’’Fitzroy Frederick - President of TTPCUDespite changes in the country’s social and economic members, the TTPCU is the only credit union in Trinidad andclimate, theTTPCU has stood the test of time.Considering Tobago with a consumer department that provides top brandits humble beginnings, the fact that is has grown into one appliances and furniture.of the leading credit unions in the country, with over half a TTPCU also supports the educational thrust of its members withbillion dollars in assets, is commendable. its SEA awards and bursary for those pursuing tertiary education.TTPCU has strategically placed its main offices in Applying for membership has now become easier as policeBarataria, San Fernando, Arima and Tobago, to ensure officers, professionals, members of theTTDF and national securitythat its diverse membership can receive optimal service and civilians represent our membership family.and benefits. The TTPCU continues to employ qualified The TTPCU remains committed to its members’ financial andprofessionals with a service-oriented approach, social goals through mentoring and astute planning, as theircommitted to improving members’ lives to deliver unique dreams blossom and become reality.services and enhance the needs of its ever growingmembership.Through its commitment to the philosophy of peoplehelping people, TTPCU provides a suite of services thatincludes medical insurance with family coverage, lifeinsurance, Cuna Family Indemnity Plan, in case of deathwhich covers six family members. With a loan portfoliothat is diverse and caters to every need of our valued 44

THE IMPORTANCE OFMOTONITTHOERTINRGINAIDNADDEVAANLDUTAOTBIOANG-O POLICE SERVICE’S CRIME FIGHTING INITIAIVES Tonya Pierre-Gopaul ManagerMonitoring, Evaluation and ComplianceT heTrinidad andTobago PoliceService (TTPS) has taken of development programs and projects within theTTPS. It also another step towards developing a higher level of helps with focusing on the results that matter and the Service is professionalism and Total Quality Management in the able to learn from the success and challenges and inform futureOrganisation. The employment of a Monitoring and Evaluation decision making, so that current and future initiatives are betterSpecialist in June, 2017 and the intention to develop a proficient able to improve the TTPS, and assist the organization inMonitoring and Evaluation Team, demonstrated a prudent achieving its strategic objectives.approach by the TTPS’s administration. The question most TTPS’s administrators need information on the effectiveness ofpolice officers will ask, is what is the value of this special skill to programs and strategies in order to make informed policy,the Service in its quest to effectively combat crime?This can be allocation, strategic and tactical decisions. Formal evaluationsanswered by appreciating the fact that Monitoring and are most often necessary to judge the efficacy of new programsEvaluation (M&E) is a process which helps improve and strategies and to help decide whether they should beperformance and achieve results. Its goal is to improve current continued, revised or scrapped. Ineffective implementationand future management of outputs, outcomes, and impact. It can lead to a failure to invest the necessary resources to makecan be mainly used to assess the performance of projects and the strategy operational. The inability to use the resources asprograms instituted by the TTPS, basically it establishes links intended, and can result in a shortfall in the expectedbetween the past, present and future actions. The credibility immediate outputs.and objectivity of the process depends very much on the It must be remembered that monitoring does not usuallyindependence and expertise of the evaluators.The M&E as its permit managers to draw scientifically valid conclusions aboutname indicates, is separated into two distinguished categories; cause and effect, but it does allow them to determine whetherevaluation and monitoring. An evaluation is a systematic and programs and strategies are being implemented as intended.objective examination, concerning the relevance, Ideally, monitoring can be accomplished through the utilizationeffectiveness, efficiency and impact of activities in the light of of operational and management information systems. In thesespecifiedobjectives. Theideaofevaluatingaprojectistoisolate instances, special data collection, analyses, and informationerrors so as to not repeat them and to underline and promote systems may have to be created. Once new programs andthe successful mechanisms for current and future crime strategies become institutionalised arrangements should befighting projects. An important goal of evaluation is to provide made to incorporate information for their monitoring so thatrecommendation and lessons to the Commanders and the such information will be available to commanders. OnlyPolice Executive that have worked on the initiative and the ones through rigorous evaluation can the effects of strategies andthat will implement and work on similar projects. programs be determined. Accurate reliable information aboutMonitoring is an activity which is definitely needed within the the effect of police practices is needed continually by theTTPSTTPS. It is a continuous assessment that aims to provide all administrators for allocation, policy, strategic and tacticalstakeholders with early detailed information on the progress or decision making.delay of the ongoing assessed activities. It is an oversight of the Traditional methods that rely completely on crime and arrestactivity implementationstage. Its purposeis to determineifthe statistics are inadequate. A more comprehensive approachoutput, deliveries and schedules planned have been reached so should include accepted standards of police practice, sensitivethat action can be taken to correct the deficiencies as quickly as measures that assess quality and quantity as well as judgementpossible. about the style, philosophy and quality of police services,Good planning, combined with effective monitoring and policies and administration.evaluation can play a major role in enhancing the effectiveness 45

T rinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is Establishing seeking to build Monitoring, Evaluation and a Robust Compliance capacity across the organization, in Monitoring, order to support a robust, decentralized Evaluation &framework for monitoring and evaluating results. In the ComplianceApril – June 2017, issue of our Quarterly Magazine, Tonya Capacity inPierre-Gopaul, Manager, of the Monitoring, Evaluation the TTPSand Compliance (MEC) Unit of the TTPS, providedinformation about the Unit’s direction in the TTPS in an Keisha Bowla-Hinesarticle entitled TTPS Building Monitoring and Evaluation Head, Executive Management ServicesCapacity. I now take this opportunity to provide someinsight on how we plan to build capacity for the Training is the tool that will primarily be used toimprovement of our organization through the MEC Unit. develop the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) capacityThe first step in establishing the MEC Unit was the of the organization. In the first instance, training will berecruitment of the Manager in the first half of this year. rolled out at two levels: Level 1 - Specialist – (3 DaysSince then, significant efforts have been invested in intense training) and Level 2 - Facilitators (2 dayscharting the best way forward – staffing, training and intense training), with the aim of building a team of atorganization-wide MEC facilitation. Quite recently, one least one hundred and fifty (150) persons, with basicadditional staff member was assigned to the Unit and level M & E skills positioned across the TTPS in everyothers are actively being recruited. Staff recruitment is division, unit, section and branch. The training materialbeing undertaken simultaneously with training. It is which was developed internally, is based onexpected that the new staff members will join our team by international M & E best practice and is tailored forthe start of the NewYear. application within the TTPS. This will be used to guide the training delivered to each group of participants. 46

The first group to receive training, included nineteen (19) of data collection, monitoring activities and the size of theparticipants whose duties and responsibilities are directly organization necessitates that a critical mass of sufficientlyaligned with core M&E functions and activities. This group, trained staff across the TTPS is equipped with the skills anddubbed “Specialists”, was trained via an intense three-day tools that will ensure high quality data collection andtraining workshop on October 25th, 26th and 30th and maintenance, as well as adherence to ongoing monitoring,included staff from the Internal Audit Unit, Crime and evaluation and compliance procedures. The full complementProblem Analysis Branch, Information Technology Unit and of M&E facilitators will complete training by March 2018.Planning, Research and Project Implementation Additionally, however, there is immediate application of theDepartment. The first three groups of Level 2, the skills learned once groups have completed the training.\"Facilitators\", training participants comprised of Chief Clerks This ground-breaking initiative to establish a network of M&E(two groups) and representatives fromTobago Division (one facilitators across the TTPS is a clear indicator of thegroup). The first group of twenty (20) Chief Clerks was organization’s commitment to improve MEC through besttrained on November 13th and 14th and the other two Level practice. The MEC Unit will maintain oversight of our transition2 groups targeted during this period were trained between to the next phase of establishing robust monitoring, evaluationNovember 24th and December 1st. It is expected that by & compliance capacity in the TTPS. Projects that are pertinentDecember 31st 2017, at least seventy (70) sworn and to organizational strengthening and regular meetings ofunsworn staff members will form part of the wider network working groups that have responsibility for the developmentof M & E facilitators. and implementation of specific projects will be a core feature.The execution of these organization-wide MEC training We look forward to improved reliability and validity in dataworkshops is the first of its kind in the history of the TTPS. collection and maintenance through stringent MEC supervision. TTPS MEC FACILITATORS’ NETWORK TTPS ROBUST MONITORING, EVALUATION & COMPLIANCE CAPACITYMEC FACILITATORS MEC UNIT MEC FACILITATORS SPECIALISTS OTHER SELECTED MEC FACILITATORSMEC FACILITATORS DIVISIONS, SECTIONS, UNITS & OFFICERS SENIOR MEC FACILITATORS OFFICERS BRANCHES MEC FACILITATORS STATION CHIEF CLERKS 47

Special Branch – Relevance for Today Inspector Glenroy Phillip, MBA, BA (Hons)The Special Branch was established by an Act of Parliament in 1949 and its duties were later outlined in a document dated 23rdNovember 1964.These duties include but are not limited to the following: • To collect, process and assess information of subversive and potentially subversive organizations and connected personalities from all available sources. • To plan, conduct and advise on counter - subversive, espionage and sabotage operations. • To investigate the background and activities of all suspected persons entering the country. • To ensure that all security intelligence derived from travel-control measures are received, evaluated and acted upon. • To advise the Prime Minister, the Minister of National Security and the Minister of Foreign Affairs on all matters relating to protective security and the use of security intelligence. • To inform the Commissioner of Police on matters which may negatively impact national security • To develop information/intelligence to assist the operational activities of all Divisions/Branches/Sections of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service. • To collate, analyze and disseminate information/intelligence of a criminal nature which may have a political or subversive co-relation. • To maintain close contact with government departments and to keep in touch with public opinion on matters which are likely to cause general discontent among any section of the public, dissatisfaction with government’s policies and civil unrest in any form. • To provide Personal Security Protection for the Head of State, Prime Minister, Chief Justice. However, if so directed by Cabinet, security is provided to designated government ministers. • To provide V.I.P Protection for visiting Heads of State; Prime Ministers and other high profile dignitaries.With the increased demand for services specific to the Special Branch, the Explosive Detection and Disposal Unit was established toengage in bomb search and disposal. Additionally, the technical arm of Special Branch was also called upon to undertake electronicsweeps of all government offices.In 1983, the Multi Option Police Section (MOPS), the prime and only counter-terrorism unit inTrinidad andTobago was established.Today, this unit has been given international recognition and hailed for the execution of its mandate.The scourge of terrorism rising globally has impactedTrinidad andTobago negatively. As a result, in 2016, under the directorship ofACP Erla Christopher, the Special Branch was charged with the responsibility for investigating and prosecuting offences under theAnti- terrorismActChapter 12:07.TheTerrorism InterdictionUnit of the Special Branch received added impetus and resources underthenACP (Ag.)Ansley Garrick.Within the TTPS, only the Special Branch can undertake certain duties and responsibilities based on the 1964 document. Theseduties and responsibilities are still relevant in today’s environment. More so as the Special Branch continues to take a lead role in thepreservation of the country’s democracy. 48