•TTPS Quarterly Issue No.6

Focus 55% on the detection rate recorded by theEastern Division represents Division the second highest detection rate in all the nine divisions of the TTPS Shemuel LondonCorporate Communications OfficerT he Eastern Division of the Trinidad and Tobago Police woundings & shootings, a 20% reduction in robberies Service (TTPS) has achieved substantial successes in and a 20% reduction in burglaries and break-in offences, their efforts to combat crime in East Trinidad, when compared to the same period in 2016.achieving a crime detection rate of 55%, far surpassing the Senior Superintendent (Ag.) Garth Nelson, who has led30% performance target, outlined in the TTPS Operating the Eastern Division since March 2nd 2017, attributes thePlan for 2017. The Division comprises of eight Police Stations success in the detection and reduction of crime in theand one Police Post. These are located in Biche, Manzanilla, area, to the dedication and commitment of policeMatelot, Mathura, Mayaro, Rio Claro and Toco, with the officers and the willingness of the various communitiesDivisional Headquarters in Sangre Grande and a Police Post in to work with the TTPS to ensure safety and security. “TheValencia. citizens in the Division are our eyes and ears and ourThe 55% detection rate recorded by the Division represents success is in a large part dependent on their continuedthe second highest detection rate in all the nine divisions of cooperation with us,” he said. “I also wish to extend mythe TTPS, surpassed only by the South Western Division. heartfelt gratitude to all the staff attached to the EasternThe Division also experienced significant success in its efforts Division, both police and civilian. They regularly goto reduce the occurrence of Serious Reported Crimes (SRCs) beyond the call of duty to ensure that we continue toin the Eastern region ofTrinidad. From January 1st to October decrease the occurrence of crimes and the fear of crime31st 2017, there was a 18% reduction in SRCs in this division, within the region.”when compared to the corresponding period for 2016. This Inspector with responsibility for Crime in the Eastern18% overall reductions in serious reported crimes, came as a Division, Ken Lutchman, believes that the successesresult of significant reductions in key serious crime areas experienced are the result of effective leadership in thewithin the Division. For example, for the stated period, there Division. “Senior Supt. Nelson adopts a ground-upwas a 9% reduction in murders, an 18% reduction in approach to policing at the Division, and I feel that this 49

Eastern Division Headquarters in Sangre Grande.really motivates police officers to work hard to solve and preventcrimes in the area.”While the Division has achieved a commendable record ofperformance for 2017, there remains some concern about theprevalence of firearms and narcotics in the region. To combat these,the Eastern Division has intensified its efforts to rid East Trinidad ofthese illegal items. Roadblock exercises, in addition to raids andsearches have been dramatically increased in the region. Up toOctober 31st, over 16,150 foot and mobile patrols were conductedby officers in the Division, with extremely encouraging results. Forexample, with regards to the seizure of firearms, 41 firearms ofvarying types were seized for the entire year of 2016. By the end ofOctober 2017 however, 64 firearms had already been seized withinthe Eastern Division.Officers of the Eastern Division have also conducted numeroustraffic-related exercises, where a total of 5,074 numerous Senior Superintendent (Ag.) Garth Nelson, Head of thetraffic-related exercises, where a total of 5,074 tickets were issued. Eastern Division.Up to October 31st 2017, 1705 persons were administered randomDUI tests, leading to 195 persons being arrested and charged for theoffence. The Division also continues to perform coastal patrols on a twenty-four hour basis, working along with theOrganised Crime and Intelligence Unit (OCIU) and the Air Support Unit to help eradicate the illicit narcotics and firearmtrade.Through sustained proactive operations such as these, the Division hopes to retain the confidence and trust of themembers of the communities in all their station districts, thereby improving safety and security in Trinidad and Tobago. TheEastern Division and by extension the TTPS, remains committed to partnering with communities through town and stationcouncil meetings and other community-based initiatives to intensify their firearm-violence reduction strategy, drivemurders down and further increase crime detection. 50

HistoryAuodf tihoeVisual UnitofTthTePS No. 14437 Sgt. David Swanson United States and British Embassies and training for its SDO/ic Audio Visual members from Trinidad and Tobago Television. Since then, the AVU has produced several television and radioI n the early 1980s, there existed within the Trinidad productions and Public Service Announcements, such as the and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), a Public Relations Eyes on You/ Road Watch programs, which were a and Welfare Department, which had responsibility collaborative effort between the Service and Caribbean for PoliceYouth Clubs, welfare and the wellbeing of Home Insurance Company Ltd. In addition, the AVUpolice officers and their families and the overall image of the produced countless in-house productions and gavePolice Service. However in 1990, under late Commissioner of assistance to several government ministries and otherPolice Jules Bernard, the TTPS Public Affairs Unit was sections of the Ministry of National Security.launched. Personnel from the Public Relations and Welfare Under the late Commissioner of Police Kenny NoorDepartment were transferred to this unit under the Mohammed, Community Policing was launched and theleadership of then ASP Winston Cooper, now deceased. The AVU fell under its administration. Years later underUnit was responsible for the publication of the Silver Star Commissioner of Police Hilton Guy (Ret.), CommunityNewsletter and the Production of the Dial 999 Television Policing was immersed into the wider service and theShow. Community Policing Secretariat was established. The AudioIn 1998, Cpl. Kennedy Patterson (Ret.) who was attached to Visual Unit remained under its administration. However inthe Public Affairs Unit, formed the AudioVisual Unit (AVU) of 2017,Commissioner of Police (Ag.) StephenWilliams, by waythe TTPS. of DO 120/17, established the Corporate CommunicationsThe main objective of the Unit at the time was “to enhance Unit, which is headed by Ms Ellen Lewis, whilst No. 14437the image of theTTPS”. Sgt. David Swanson, is the SDO/ic of AudioVisual.In the early years, the Unit received equipment from the Audio Visual continues to fulfill its mandate providing essential support towards achieving the vision of the TTPS, for a saferTrinidad andTobago. 51

In 2006, a Part Three Departmental Order No. 112 was • Create and formulate advertisements/published, which presently governs the operations of the programs/documentaries on crime, criminal activities,Unit. The Unit is classified as a class three specialist section. crime fighting initiatives and awareness of variousIn 2015, under the instructions of Commissioner of Police aspects of policing for promotional purposes and(Ag.) Stephen Williams, the Unit was also mandated to subjects, aimed at improving relations between thefunction alongside the newly formed Corporate police and the public;Communications Unit. The Corporate CommunicationsUnit is headed by Ellen Lewis and the Community Policing • Assist in Divisional, Section and Branch activities whereSecretariat is managed by Superintendent (Ag.) Thecla necessary and practicable by providing technicalMeharris. The direct management of the Unit has been audio-visual assistance;appositely handed to Sgt. David Swanson.The intention upon establishing the Audio Visual Unit was • Evidence gathering and surveillance.to: Over the years the Audio Visual Unit has been involved either wholly or in part with the production of several radio and • Video record, photograph, and provide a public television advertisements, promotions and other features for address system at police related events and and on behalf of the TTPS including the “iRoadSafe television activities, with the intent of archiving said series”, the daily newsletter, and several magazines to name a activities; few. This esteemed Unit also provides coverage of key events within • Disseminate video and (in extreme cases) audio the TTPS, e.g. International Law Enforcement training recordings of police related activities to the print, programs withCambridge University, the USA’s Federal Bureau electronic and social media, highlighting the of Investigations, Drug Enforcement Agency and other local Service in a positive manner; agencies. 52

‘Door to Door Policing’ in Central and North Eastern Divisions Shane Jitta, then have a cascading effect, whereby citizens feel safe, Corporate Communications Officer secure and comfortable in their communities and homes, because a level of trust has been built with the police. In fact,T he Central and North Eastern Divisions will continue ACP Persad admits that citizens have time and time again to benefit from the soft approach to policing in the expressed a strong desire to have a closer relationship with NewYear, after community outreach initiatives rolled the officers in their communities and have a substantial say in out by theTrinidad andTobago Police Service (TTPS), the policing affairs in their districts. This level of willingnesswere deemed successful and impactful in reducing violent from the public to cooperate with the TTPS in the fightand serious reported crimes. The strategy by no means against crime is a heartening sign for the ACP, who in turneliminates the need for forceful and precise policing wishes to let all citizens know that the police are interested inoperations in these Divisions, where drug blocks, gangs and their welfare.priority offenders are met head on by focused anti-crime The interactions also assist police in their crime fighting efforts,initiatives, drug interdiction exercises and joint police and as officers are very aware that the citizens who live inarmy patrols, where necessary. Instead, both approaches are crime-affected communities and are familiar with the issuesbeing utilized to proffer the desired results in these two which challenge them, are the ones best suited to offerDivisions, which are unique in their own way. tangible solutions. To achieve this goal, ACP Persad,In an interview with the TTPS Quarterly, Executive Officer implemented the ‘Door to Door Policing’ Strategy in thewith responsibility for North Eastern and Central Divisions, Enterprise district, whereby, police officers visited house toAssistant Commissioner of Police, Surajdeen Persad, house, street by street, for seven days a week, seeking toexplained that outreach initiatives undertaken in these interact with every single resident in the community.The goaldivisions, come in the aftermath of a spike in violence and being to obtain a better assessment of the needs of themurders in the districts. He added that all TTPS community community and to show an interest in its welfare.The officersoutreach programmes are initiated based on analysis of the were also able to identify individual members of theneeds of the communities being targeted and that while hard households, the children in the households and even elderlypolicing produces some success in physically removing persons who may occasionally require assistance. Thiscriminals from the area, it takes a more engaging and information is then utilized to better police theseinteractive approach to change the mindsets of people. communities. Issues such as inadequate street lighting andAccording toACP Persad, ultimately, the goal of allcommunity patrols and use of abandoned buildings by criminal elementsoutreach initiatives is for citizens to have their perceptions of were raised and shared with the officers. Solutions were thenthe police positively changed. This positive perception will formulated and implemented to the benefit of the residents. ACP Persad notes that the social intervention strategy was well received and resulted in a drop in the crime rate in the 53

Enterprise area. He says there are plans to implement the ‘Door to Door’initiative in the North Eastern Division in the near future.As a direct result of the Door to Door Policing Strategy, officers realized that alarge number of children in the community were interested in sporting activities.To meet this need, the Enterprise Cricket Development Program was launchedon May 7th 2017, in partnership with the Chaguanas Borough Corporation andtheTrinidad andTobagoCricket Board’sCentral Zone.The cricket clinic was heldevery Sunday at the Esmeralda grounds, with over 130 children between theages of 5-16 years participating. In addition to this clinic, the EnterpriseCommunity Council (ECC) was able to host a six-week youth camp for over 200children during the July-August vacation period, with the assistance of twocorporate entities; Phoenix Park Gas Processors Limited and Republic BankLimited of Trinidad and Tobago. The camp was also considered anoverwhelming success, as it ensured that youths who would have been left totheir own devices during their school break were kept occupied with educationaland sporting activities and under the supervision of responsible adults.The ECC was formed with the assistance of the TTPS. Its members are drawn Commissioner of Police (Ag.), StephenWilliams, speaks tofrom the community including police officers and army personnel. As a body, it thenChief of DefenceStaff, Brigadier (Ret'd) RodneySmart,seeks to tackle the problems facing the embattled EnterpriseCommunity at the during a joint Police-Army walkabout in the Enterprisesocial level. The Community Council, backed by the TTPS, serves as a frontline community. social intervention mechanism to address the issues facing the residents, and is one example of an institutionalized approach to community policing. TheTTPS has also been working closely with imams in the Central Division, as they continue to tackle the group of young persons calling themselves the ‘Unruly ISIS’. ACP Persad, says there was an awareness drive to make imams and other religious leaders understand that the criminal elements want to use religion as a ruse to recruit young persons to a life of crime. ACP Persad says meetings have since been held with the religious leaders, with more being planned for 2018. He notes that there are intentions to extend this approach to the North Eastern Division in the El Socorro and Aranguez districts. Another social intervention and outreach initiative which has been successfully staged in the North Eastern Division is the ‘Big Catch Fishing’ tournament, which was held at Marianne Beach Resort, Blanchisseuse, on Saturday 26th August, 2017. ACP Persad noted that the event targeted all the fishing villages along the NorthCoast, in an effort to bring the fishing communities together and for officers to engage residents in a fun, competitive and meaningful way. He says the major objective of the well-received intervention was to inform the residents that if they wanted to change their criminal lifestyles, the police are there to help them do so.The ‘Big Catch Fishing’ tournament was gauged a success, since a number of persons who are known in the criminal underworld attended and were able to leave the event with a different mindset about the TTPS, since they became aware that the police really54

ACP, North East and Central, Surajdeen Persad as he presents prizes to competitors in the ‘Big Catch’Tournament.want to make a positive change in their communities.Other community outreach initiatives which are being undertaken in both Divisions are the establishment of NeighbourhoodWatch Groups, Christmas Hamper Drives, an Adopt-a-Family venture and awareness drive in partnership with the Ministries ofEducation and Social Development,T&TEC andWASA, to show persons how to access jobs and social assistance programmes.ACP Persad admits finally, that policing an entire division cannot done overnight. However, he believes with the right attitude andsufficient manpower and resources, the job of changing the public’s perception toward the police can be achieved. He is alsosatisfied that the social intervention initiatives embarked upon thus far in the Central and North Eastern Divisions have started tobear fruit. These initiatives he believes can be utilized across the other seven divisions of the TTPS, with slight modifications, toensure that all communities are united with the police in their fight against the criminal elements. 55

Joneille Johnson Superintendent of Police (Ag.), SRP Adjutant, Curtis Paul, during the candle lightCorporate Communications Officer procession at the 75th SRP Anniversary at the Police Academy, St. James.T his year marked 75 years of the Special Reserve Police (SRP) being incorporated into the Trinidad and Tobago PoliceService (TTPS). With 75 years ofdedication and hard work, SRP Officerscelebrated their anniversary onThursday 12th October, 2017, with aceremony and candle light procession,at the Police Academy Gymnasium, St.James.The event, hosted by the SRP Officeand coordinated by the SRP SportsClub, was attended by SeniorSuperintendents (Ag.) Joanne Archieand Floris Hodge-Griffith, along withSuperintendent (Ag.), SRP Adjutant,Curtis Paul, ASP (Ag.) Jeffrey Irish, ASP(Ag.) Roy Ransome and several otherSecond Division Officers. In his openingremarks, Supt (Ag.) Paul, stated thatSRP officers play an invaluable role inthe TTPS. He explained that he looksforward to seeing the officers maintaina level of excellence in the execution of their duties, and urged them to recognize their worth and contributions to theService. Supt (Ag.) Paul, added that the only way SRP officers will receive proper recognition, is by exhibiting a high level ofprofessionalism and respectability. He further advised officers that the best way to improve their policing is throughself-improvement, adding that he has been advocating for greater training opportunities to be made available to SRPofficers.Supt. (Ag.) Paul’s address was followed by ASP (Ag.) Ransome, who gave a very brief history of the SRP in Trinidad andTobago. According to ASP (Ag.) Ransome, the SRP was introduced in 1939 as an interim measure to supplement the 56

sanctioned strength of the then Senior Superintendent of Police (Ag.) Floris Hodge-Griffith expresses her gratitude for the contributions ofTrinidad and Tobago Police Force SRP officers at their 75th Anniversary celebrations.(TTPF), as there was a reductionof available police officers due toWorld War II. Initially known asthe Special Volunteer PoliceForce, the officers were taskedwith supporting the TTPF in anyand all crises and emergencies.At its inception, the membershipof the SVPF was primarily drawnfrom select members of thepublic and was a restrictedorganization. However, it waslater opened to all upstandingcitizens. ASP (Ag.) Ransomeexplained that the name wasformally changed after theSpecial Reserve Police Act of1946, Chapter 15:03, which led toevery unit of the TTPF beingaugmented with SRP officers.Snr. Supt. (Ag.) Hodge-Griffith, spoke passionately, as she expressed her immense gratitude for the SRPs and theirvarious contributions to the Service. She acknowledged many of the officers at the event as colleagues that she hadworked and grew with through her years in the TTPS. Snr. Supt. (Ag.) Hodge-Griffith, reminded the officers inattendance that their hard work improves the way the Service looks and performs.Candle light procession at the 75th SRP Anniversary Celebrations at the Police Academy, St. James. 57

Graduate with pride and accomplishment Shane Jitta Corporate Communications Officer 58

Commissioner of Police (Ag.), StephenWilliams, addresses the latest batch of recruits during the PassingOut Parade ofSquadsA-E, Batch 1 of 2017. Minister of NationalSecurity, MajorGeneral (Ret'd), the Honourable Edmund Dillon, as he shares words of encouragement with the newest recruits of 2017. Your parents will o n a day they would look back on and feel a sense of pride and accomplishment, not be proud of you, standing solemnly in the presence of their family, loved ones and instructors, 160 newly minted recruits of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), were if you fail them on urged to add their voices to the conversation on crime, by offering suggestionsthat pillar of integrity and ideas to their superiors, in a respectful manner, on ways to tackle the problems of violenceandcriminality inthecountry.Theadvicewasgiventotherecruits by Minister of and I have a good National Security, MajorGeneral (Ret’d), the Honourable Edmund Dillon, at the Passing feeling, your friends Out Parade of Squads A-E, Batch 1 of 2017, at the Police Academy, St. James, on would not be proud Wednesday 15th November, 2017. As the Minister addressed the recruits, who stood in perfect formation on the training of you if you fail grounds of the Police Academy in their resplendent white tunics, offering he urged them, everything them to become part of the transformation and change in policing and law enforcement in Trinidad and Tobago. He told the officers that they are expected to spins around bring new ways of thinking and new ways of doing things to the TTPS, as each and integrity every recruit is an ambassador of theTTPS and it is their duty to change the thinking of their peers outside the service and to always see themselves as police officers, both in – Commissioner of Police (Ag.), and out of uniform. Stephen Williams Minister Dillon stated that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago will continue to provide the tools of trade, for theTTPS to do its job effectively. He says allocations have been made for four new police stations to be built in the new fiscal year at Old Grange, Roxborough, Carenage and St. Clair. He said the police stations belong to the residents of the communities where they are located and the communities must not feel alienated. He told the recruits to embrace the community where they are deployed, to better serve the residents. Minister Dillon said he was looking out at young persons who have made a choice to join 59

No. 20337WPC Stacey Pilgrim, as she was commended and awarded the profession where they have tointeract with differentpeople‘Commissioner of Police’ Trophy and the ‘Best Stick’ for her from different walks of life on a daily basis, reminding them toaccomplishments byCommissioner of Police (Ag.)StephenWilliams. not abuse their power and discriminate against people. Also addressing the graduation ceremony, was ClinicaltheTTPS, to serve their country with pride. He said they were Psychologist at the University of the West Indies, Dr. Peteran example to other young people of the country, for making Douglas Weller, Ph.D., who encouraged the graduands, to notgood choices and for staying the course and graduating after be trapped in old values, but to always create new neutral28 long weeks. pathways to change society, while always remembering theirThe Minister also thanked the instructors and lecturers at the oath of office and striving to continuously make their familiesPolice Academy who went through the 28 weeks of training of and communities proud.transforming ‘raw civilians’ into dedicated policemen and Commenting on the graduation, Dr. Weller noted thatpolicewomen. He was also appreciative of the support given to transitions need to be celebrated, and graduations are specialthe recruits by their family members during their training junctures in our lives during which we reflect on what has passedperiod. He went on to applaud the hard work of the officers of and what is to come. He said they are occasions which aretheTTPS, as he stated that there was a 36 percent increase in committed to our memories and upon which we may drawarrests in relation to Serious Reported Crimes thus far for 2017, inspiration, to remind ourselves of where we once started.and an 18.5 percent increase in the homicide detection rate for Eleven officers were recipients of awards during the Passing Out2017. Parade, with No. 20337WPC Stacey Pilgrim being adjudged theHe noted that if all members of the batch have belief in Most Outstanding Recruit. She was commended and awardedthemselves to persevere and succeed, then Batch 1 of 2017, will the ‘Commissioner of Police’Trophy and the ‘Best Stick’ awardbe the most successful batch within theTTPS. Addressing the for her accomplishments. (See table for full list of Awards andrecruits at theGraduationCeremony one week earlier atCentre Commendations). Then, the recruits paraded off the trainingof Excellence, Macoya, on Wednesday 8th November, 2017, grounds for the last time, as fully inducted police men and policeCommissioner of Police (Ag.), Stephen Williams, stressed the women of the TTPS, much to the delight and cheers of theirimportance for the new officers to always have integrity in family and friends.everything that they do. He encouraged them to hold close and The Passing Out Parade was attended by Minister of Foreignfirm to their oaths of office, as they have now joined a noble Affairs and Minister in the Ministry of National Security, Senator,profession, where society demands greatness. Commissioner the Honourable, Dennis Moses, Parliamentary Secretary in theWilliams said the officers were not permitted to falter in their Ministry of National Security, Glenda Jennings-Smith, Chief ofpolicing career, as he welcomed them as new policemen and Defence Staff,Commodore Hayden Pritchard,Chairman of thepolicewomen of theTTPS. He noted that society has placed a Police Service Commission, Dr. Maria Therese Gomes,lot of confidence, trust and high expectations in the hands of Permanent Secretaries in the Ministry of National Security, Ms.police officers and they must be aware of their role as the Lydia Jacobs and Mr.Val Lewis, Commissioner of Prisons (Ag.),guardians of law and order. “We can teach you so much, William Alexander, First Division Officers and civilian heads ofexposing all skills of training, but at the end of the day, all that theTTPS.has been taught, will be of no value, if we miss out on that pillarof integrity.Your parents will not be proud of you, if you failthem on that pillar of integrity and I have a good feeling, yourfriends would not be proud of you if you fail them, everythingspins around integrity.” he said. Commissioner Williams alsoreminded the new officers that they have entered into a 60

Be the Officer You Want to Meet!No. 20335 WPC Renee Didier Ryan Nanton Staff Writer Commissioner of Police (Ag.), Stephen Williams presents WPC Renee Didier with her valedictorian award during the graduation ceremony.F or almost all her life, No. 20335 WPC Renee Didier, has been “running from theTrinidad andTobago Police Service (TTPS).” As long as she could remember,WPC Didier had ignored the tugs ather heart to protect and serve.Her proclivity to join the noble profession was met with unrelenting oppositionby her mother (deceased), which compounded the situation. The young officerconsidered her mother as “very spiritual” and to act without her blessing wasviewed as tantamount to going against the will of God. The calling, however, ledher to sign up for recruitment some years ago, but on two different occasions, whencalled to serve, she deferred the opportunity as she was pregnant.Earlier this year, after incessantly praying, she could no longer evade the calling and herheart was captured.61

She said it is not that she feels she is disobeying her mother’swishes for her life, but said, “I believe it wasn’t my time before.Now everything just seems to have fallen into place.”At the 2017 PoliceGraduationCeremony, she topped 159 othertrainees to become Valedictorian of Batch 1 of 2017; a clearindication to her that a career in policing was her destiny.WPC Didier also copped 1st place in Squad D, of which she wasmember. She managed to secure 1st place in the categories ofCriminal Law and Police Procedures. She took 2nd place inTraffic Laws and was awarded ‘Most Disciplined Female’ and‘Fittest Female’ ofSquad D.Now an inspiration to her peers,WPC Didier urged them to “be DCP (Ag.), Administration, Erla Christopher presents Valedictorian of Batch 1 ofthe officer that you want to meet.” The valedictorian made the 2017,WPC Didier, with an award.clarion call to serve with pride and integrity, when sheaddressed Batch 1 of 2017 at its Graduation Ceremony at theTorenia Hall, Centre of Excellence on Wednesday 8thNovember, 2017.She added, “I love customer service. I simply want to helppeople and do what I can to make life better for those aroundme. Even if you have a job that you don’t like, it is still importantfor you to do it with a smile and treat everyone with somedegree of decency.”She explained however, “I always had this inclination to serve Head, Corporate Communications, Ellen Lewis presents an award to No. 20335even before the concept of customer service was instilled in us WPC Renee Didier at the Batch 1 of 2017 graduation ceremony.by the staff at the Police Academy, especially No. 14968W/CplSuzette Marcano Joseph.” “It is at the academy that we wereencouraged by Marcano-Joseph, to be the officer you want tomeet and now it has become my mantra.”The road to becoming Valedictorian however was bumpy. The officer credited her background in West African Dancing forWhen called on the Friday before training, which was to her ability to keep up with the rigors of training.The PrincesTowncommence the following Monday, the mother of two lamented resident, who considers herself as a “hands on” person said, “Ihaving to abandon her then career as a Health and Safety don’t feel I am bright or beyond the average person, I just simplyCoordinator at a leading security firm in almost a split second apply myself.” She has since been doing this after her posting todecision. What she feared more was having to leave her the Mon Repos Police Station in early November. “The daily, newthree-year-old son, one-year-old daughter and her husband for experiences are exciting. When anyone asks me how it has beenthe six months of training. At the time, she was breastfeeding since passing out of the academy, I say that besides it being fastand couldn’t imagine how her husband would have managed pace, which I am acclimatising myself to, I love every moment ofwith her baby daughter without her. She was devastated upon it,” she said.returning home after her first six weeks of training, where her “The past two weeks have become a real eye opener for me.daughter, who instead of embracing her, ran away, almost not Certainly I have a greater appreciation for the theory learnt duringbeing able to recognise who she was. training, as being on the beat demands that I put it into practice. INonetheless, if it had not been for her spirituality, WPC Didier am happy to have come out of the Academy and be exposed tofelt as though she would have failed at completing training.She the members of the public who I’ve taken an oath to protect. Irecollected earnestly praying at the onset of training every have no regrets.”morning at around five o’clock, where her “eyes were fixed on a WPC Didier has the intention of becoming the first femaleparticular tree.” Commissioner of Police in the next twenty years, a dream sheAs a devoutOrisha, she drew on the strength of her mother and admitted is a big one.She hopes to “bring a positive change to thestepfather (deceased) through ancestral prayer. This she TTPS and a different approach to policing, one that speaks todeemed responsible for her endurance and determination to nurturing and caring.” She underscored that it is herthe end. Being one of the older trainees, she often felt determination which saw her success at the Police Academy andintimidated by the younger trainees’ exuberance and ability to it may very well be the same factor in securing her success toanswer and act quickly in situations. Commissioner. 62

NO. 12757 CPL Paul De Leon‘The Negotiator’Ryan Nanton A nightmarish scene; one enraged young man, holding a studentStaff Writer hostage and making a host of demands to terrified witnesses, all desperate to come out of this ordeal alive. 63

Yet, one officer describes it as the highlight of his career. Christ, I may have acted with haste and the situation may haveOn Monday 18th September, 2017, at around 7:57a.m, No. ended fatally.”12757 Cpl (Ag.) Paul De Leon heard via a wireless The father of one said he feels compelled to seek after thetransmission that an officer was in need of immediate welfare of Diaz. Cpl (Ag.) De Leon plans to liaise with theassistance, as he was at a location where a young man had a arresting officer so that he can visit Diaz at his next courtfirearm and shots were being fired. appearance. He said, “As a parent and as a citizen we all haveFor veteran officer, Cpl (Ag.) De Leon, this call to action required a duty to ensure that those who need help are in fact given thatquick, sound decisions, which, he said, cannot be taught at the help.”Police Academy or found in a manual. Concerned for his fellow The detective has since been recognised by Seniorofficers and members of the public, Cpl (Ag.) De Leon and his Superintendent (Ag.), Northern Divison, Michael Daniel, forpartners, No. 20076 PC Shannon Ramsawak and No. 20009 PC his brave actions, at an award ceremony held at theAaronCabralis, rushed to the MIC Institute ofTechnology,Arima, Conference Room of the St. Joseph Police Station, on Fridaywhere the atmosphere was described as “total pandemonium.” 27th October 2017, where he received a plaque ofHe joked that it was a case of “being careful what you wished for.” appreciation and a special token.Mere hours before the ticklish situation unfolded, Cpl (Ag.) The Senior Superintendent remarked, “Cpl Paul De Leon’sDe Leon, while on patrol during a night tour, was whining to action is highly commendable.Though he has not been givenhis partners that the night was “very slow” and that he was any degree of training in hostage negotiation, certainly his yearsin “need of some sort of action.” of experience came in handy. It was a hard call to know whatWhat later stood before him, at the southern area of the MIC exactly to do, but we at the Northern Division appreciateCpl DeInstitute compound, was a young man being held in a Leon’s zeal and innovativeness. He has surely inspired officerschokehold with a gun to his head. and enhanced the image of the Trinidad and Tobago PoliceCpl (Ag.) De Leon, fearful for the hostage’s life, admitted not Service.”knowing what to do initially, but knew that he had to do As a boy, Cpl (Ag.) De Leon, was inspired by his father andsomething. He quickly said a prayer.That is when the 32-year-old five uncles to follow in their footsteps and become asuspect shouted at the Corporal and asked whether he was in police officer.charge. He responded in the affirmative.The suspect demanded He reminisced on the time when policemen wore shortall other officers vacate the scene or he would kill the hostage. pants as part of their uniform. “I remember going to theAfter a brief conversation with the suspect, Cpl (Ag.) De Leon station after school. I loved being among all the policemen,learnt that the armed man wanted to speak with his sister and a seeing how they helped people by providing solutions, andpastor. The request to speak to his sister was facilitated. Soon thinking to myself, this is nice, that’s who I want to be whenthereafter, the officers successfully subdued the suspect. I grow up,” added Cpl (Ag.) De Leon. He embarked on thisThe suspect, later identified as Michel Diaz, was charged with journey on November 15th 1991, entering through theshooting at two police officers, possession of a gun and gates of the then Police Training College, St. James.ammunition, and possession of a gun and ammunition to After passing out in 1992, Cpl (Ag.) De Leon, was postedendanger life and assault. Cpl (Ag.) De Leon is grateful to have to the Northern Division, where he served at thebeen able to save the lives all of parties involved. Tunapuna Police Station, conducting general policingHe attributed the success of the case toGod, saying, “He directed and enquiries in minor crime. The latter was a steppingthe show.” “When I reflect on how everything transpired, I cannot stone for his stint at the Criminal Investigationshelp but believe thatGod orchestrated the entire situation for me to Department (CID), which he joined in 1998. He thenbe there at that point in time,” he said. served the CID in the Maloney, Arima, Arouca, Malabar,“Besides responding to a call that was not in my district, I had no Cumuto and San Raphael Police Stations. A few yearsofficial training in negotiating.To be honest, initially, I did not know later, in September 2013, he was transferred to the Lawhat to do. But that’s when the suspect called out to me, and Horquetta Police Station, until June 2014 when he wasengaged me.That was God leading him to do that, because I was posted to the Arima CID.moments before thinking I may have to shoot the suspect.” Today, he leads a junior team of two officers who conductThe Corporal said his decision to give his life to Christ a year ago a range of investigations. He revealed that he loves casesalso influenced the manner in which he handled the situation. “It which demand deep inquires and involve utilisingis the Holy Spirit that allowed me to remain calm, collected and external agencies, such as cybercrime or fraud cases.calculated in my steps to defuse the situation. Before my life in Though he proceeds on pre-retirement next year, Cpl (Ag.), De Leon remains of the view that “crime is an unwelcomed guest in society and it will always be my job to get rid of it.”64

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A vision board is a collection of images, words and ideas you’re drawn to. Visualization is apowerful technique used by many successful people in various fields, from athletes toHollywood movie stars. A vision board lets you collect all those images that catch your eyeor stir an emotional response and keep them visible and at the front of your mind, wherethey can then work their magic.What to include on your vision board? Remember your board can contain:You can include images or quotes that • Anything that motivates youfocus on: • Images that make you smile• Relationships • Inspiring quotes• Career • Daily affirmations• Finances • Vision board travel destinations• Home and personal safety REMEMBER! Make sure your vision board is• Travel somewhere you can easily see it: above your• Personal growth (including spirituality, desk or on your bedroom wall. You can also go digital and make it your computer wallpaper. social life, education) and• HealthTwo girls ate dinner together. They both ordered iced tea. One girl drank fiveglasses in the same time it took the other to drink just one glass, yet the girlwho only drank one glass died while the other survived. All of the drinkswere poisoned. How did the girl who drank the most survive?Answer: The poison was in the ice. 83

There’s a teddy bear in every Dutch police car, in case something troubling happens to a child.Ingredients:1.5 cups spinach or kale1/2 cucumber (chopped)2 stalks celery (chopped)1 small lemon (peel removed)1 ripe banana (frozen)1 cup pineapple (frozen)2 tablespoons chia seeds1/2-1 teaspoon spirulina powder (depending on preference)1 cup unsweetened almond milk1 cup cold, ltered waterA handful of ice (optional)Method:Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blenderuntil smooth and creamy 84