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00:07 This program is unsuitable for young children.
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00:47 Beyond the Tape will be back after these messages.
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01:21 [Music]
01:24 This is Mary.
01:26 Mary has bills to pay and takes a chance parking in front of the building at the no parking sign.
01:33 Mary returns to her car and this is what happens.
01:38 [Music]
01:45 Mary decides to call when she's five minutes away to let her daughter know that she is close by.
01:51 But Mary forgot one thing.
01:54 [Music]
02:00 After two tickets, Mary just isn't paying attention to her speed.
02:05 [Music]
02:20 Don't be like Mary.
02:22 Obey the laws of the road.
02:24 A message from the TTPS.
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02:36 Good evening Trinidad and Tobago and welcome to Beyond the Tape.
02:38 It is Friday the 17th of May, the final show for the week.
02:43 My name is Whitney Husbands and we welcome you.
02:45 Now we continue the conversation of course, criminal activities happening throughout Trinidad and Tobago,
02:51 but more so we are seeing home invasions that is really running rampant throughout Trinidad especially
02:59 and the criminal elements that are definitely, you know, being that negative element that causes us not to feel comfortable in our own homes.
03:12 Of course we will discuss that and more and we will take your calls after the discussions,
03:16 but this evening joining me I have Senior Superintendent Michael Peer of the IATF with us.
03:24 We like to welcome him, no stranger of course to Beyond the Tape.
03:26 We welcome you and good evening.
03:27 Sir, how are you?
03:29 Thank you very much for having me and good evening to the viewing public Trinidad and Tobago and I am here at your disposal.
03:36 Oh my goodness.
03:37 So let's talk.
03:38 Yes, so the uniform is on so let's talk.
03:39 Let the talk begin.
03:41 Now I want to talk a little bit first about the uniform, the importance of this uniform because many people see the uniform
03:47 and they are not aware of this particular unit and how is it instrumental within the TTPS.
03:54 Alright, so for those who don't know the IATF stands for the Interagency Task Force and this uniform is called a digital camo uniform.
04:05 It's worn by two units of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, the Guardian Emergency Branch and the Interagency Task Force.
04:12 It is a sanctioned uniform and it is to distinguish us in terms of our performance out there.
04:19 So this is an official uniform of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
04:23 So the function of this unit is to do what exactly?
04:27 Well, can I give a history, a little history?
04:30 Of course, yes.
04:31 So back in 2003 there about, there was an extensive spate of robberies and murders in the Port of Spain area
04:41 and the Interagency Task Force was formed with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and our regiment or TTR, right?
04:53 As a matter of fact, we were formed to deal specifically with the crime situation back then
05:01 and it was to flood the area of Port of Spain, East Port of Spain and Laventille, right, the whole of Laventille
05:08 which is the Besso Street Station District with the law enforcement officers to bring that crime situation down and under control.
05:17 So that was when the Interagency Task Force was born.
05:21 So in this case, we have, is it strictly TTPS officers in this unit or it's a collaboration with the Defense Force as well?
05:31 Yes, it's collaboration with the Defense Force.
05:33 So we, in the initial stages of the Interagency Task Force, there was a large contingent of our Defense Force personnel
05:45 that has dwindled down a bit because we have a better control than back then
05:51 but it remains that it is a unit, an Interagency Task Force
05:57 and our task is to patrol the East Port of Spain and Laventille District which is, as I said, Besso Street Station District
06:07 but that's not the end of what we do.
06:10 We also assist divisions, branches, sections in the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service to conduct various exercises.
06:19 We do a lot of training in the IATF for police officers and to keep ourselves in the know,
06:25 we also do training external of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service for other law enforcement sections.
06:32 All I know when I usually see this uniform, now that people can identify, is business.
06:38 Yes.
06:39 No long talk.
06:41 Well, I wouldn't say that because if you say no long talk, it would mean that we are deviating from our pillar of our community engagement
06:54 which is a strategic area, number one.
06:56 So you'll also do that as well?
06:57 Yes, of course.
06:58 So it's not a go in, eliminate and exit?
07:01 Well, I wouldn't choose the word eliminate.
07:03 What we do is we go out there, we patrol, we interact with the members of the public,
07:09 we ensure that you traverse through the areas of Port of Spain that we cover, that it is as safe as possible.
07:16 Okay, understandable.
07:18 So of course, to the viewing public there, you understand the uniform for those of you who may be living on the rock, just saying,
07:25 and you see this uniform and you say this is not a part of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, it is.
07:31 So when, of course, the officers will identify themselves, the normal protocol of identifying with their number, their name, their badge number,
07:39 and also with the badge will be seen as well, you will have that on you, if need be?
07:44 It depends on the circumstance.
07:45 Understood. Okay, if you're out and about.
07:48 So we continue more with that conversation and more.
07:50 Right now, let's take a look at today's headlines.
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09:03 Now, Senior Sup, watching these videos, I mean, I saw it all day today from since this morning, and again, it's very disturbing.
09:10 And persons who are, of course, being in their home, supposed to be a safe haven for many of us.
09:17 And you just want to go outside, in that case, the last video we saw, maybe to get some fresh air.
09:22 And persons are just there waiting to come onto your property and harm you and take what they believe is theirs.
09:30 And we have this conversation time and time again.
09:33 What do you say when you see videos like this?
09:35 And, of course, the public's thinking is, they're safer home than being outdoors.
09:40 First to begin, you know, on behalf of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, the Commission of Police, you know,
09:47 our heart goes out to those persons who are victims of such crime.
09:52 And, you know, we may encourage persons in many different ways to be vigilant at all times in your surroundings,
10:00 always look at who may be walking in your area.
10:03 If you can, you should set up camera systems in your property.
10:10 And we always encourage persons to develop neighborhood watch groups.
10:15 Because with the neighborhood watch groups, it means that we are all looking out for each other.
10:20 And the police can't be everywhere at any given point in time.
10:24 But when you see something, you can say something to us, we can utilize the information we get from you,
10:31 we can utilize the information we get off your video camera, and we can do something positive in terms of solving the crimes.
10:38 We recognize that persons out there are really disrespectful in their approach.
10:44 They have no regard for age, they have no regard for anybody when it comes to the crime.
10:49 They're looking for, let's say, food, as they would say.
10:52 But the objective of each one of us, because crime being our business, it is all our problem,
11:01 the objective is to get those criminals before the courts of justice.
11:07 And if in many instances we recognize that persons would hear us over and over, you know, asking, pleading, be vigilant, look at where you are at.
11:20 You know, if you go out in your yard, make sure you look at your surroundings.
11:25 If you have a dog, let your dog go, even though in that instance the dog, you know, didn't do much.
11:31 But the fact of the matter is, we cannot stop the crime, but depending on how we respond to it as citizens,
11:39 we might be able to slow it down, and we can also give enough information to the police to be able to solve the crimes.
11:46 Now let's take a look at one of the many home invasions that we see here on the show, especially today.
11:52 Now this happened in the Golconda area, in Retrench Village in Golconda, and we see the person who is now pulling into our property,
12:05 and obviously making like all of us when we pull up, getting ready to go inside, gathering our things,
12:11 not knowing that persons are out there watching us and our movements.
12:16 [Silence]
12:37 Now, seeing a superintendent in a situation like this, you know, you're gathering your things, and you're getting ready to go inside.
12:45 Is it that we may have to move a bit faster? I'm just saying, I'm sorry to laugh, but it's just the reality of things now.
12:52 And if we have a family member home to come out and at least be a lookout or some sort of assistance,
12:59 so we can move a bit faster in these times that we live in right now, the climate, how the climate is in Trinidad and Tobago.
13:06 Now, it is a sad reality that in this instance, this person is taking her time to go into her home, which she should be able to do.
13:16 What we urge persons to do, what you will observe in the video that it's an open yard.
13:23 And we advise persons when you're going into your place of residence, drive along, make sure that before you enter into your yard,
13:38 that it is clear for you to be able to go into your yard safely.
13:42 And yes, as you just suggested, quickly get into your home, you know, get what's necessary, gather it before you reach to your home,
13:50 so that when you exit the vehicle, you can quickly pick up your stuff and get into your house.
13:56 Yes. Because many times, especially, I mean, I'm saying as a female driver, I tend to be distracted easily when I arrive home.
14:06 Yes. And let's say the phone goes off or you decide to just sit in the car for some reason.
14:13 Yes. We can't do that anymore. We have to be very wary of the way in which when we pull up in our driveway,
14:21 that we have to exit as quickly as possible. And this is the reality that we live in.
14:27 Now, there was another incident that happened where these persons, the vehicle you mentioned having a gate.
14:34 And we will see that come up shortly where they were attacked in their own home by individuals who made their way,
14:45 it seems, either over the wall or they had access to their property to make their way to these individuals because they saw it as an easy target.
14:56 Yes. And in this case that we're seeing here is that she was an easy target.
15:02 Yes, she was an easy target. But if you observe, these men, they came in walking very casually.
15:09 So it means that they were close by looking on at her. This may not have been something that was planned at that moment.
15:17 They may have been following her before looking at her movement so that they can execute this robbery.
15:25 So, you know, we as I again, I suggest that when you are heading to your home, you see strange people walking in the environment.
15:34 You do not just go and stop at your normal location. Don't just park up in your yard with the belief that everything is going to be OK.
15:44 You see these strange people, call 999 or call 555. Pass your property. All three. Pass your property straight.
15:53 You know, turn around, make a different, take a different route because you want to ensure that that it is safe to get into your yard.
16:01 Yes, definitely. Now we have another home invasion. And in this case, you mentioned having a secure space.
16:09 So you have the gate which we're seeing the vehicle is parked inside.
16:12 It seems like the person just coming out just to get some fresh air and the entire compound is secured.
16:19 So we know that there's either a wall securing there, there's a fence there, but they're secure.
16:25 But they're outside just, you know, doing what they do best in their home because it's your property.
16:29 But it seems like the lady saw some strange movement of some individuals and they had a family member may have been outside.
16:36 Hence the reason why she didn't want to run inside without being there for her family member that we saw the gentleman to the far right.
16:48 Now, I am not speaking for anyone if it was me, but when you're in this situation, you don't know what you will do.
16:56 And in this case, they saw that it was three against three and we have to try to do something.
17:04 Now, when you look at when you look at the video, you realize these men came there with a clear intention and had no intention whatsoever to leave without executing their purpose.
17:19 And they're not men. They're not men. They're monsters.
17:22 Yeah, yeah, yeah. I agree with that because to be beaten an elderly woman like that and the elderly gentleman, that is monstrous behavior.
17:32 Yeah. The thing is, you know, we in this instance, what can we say?
17:38 We can say that. All right. It's good that they have a camera focusing and we can actually see all that went on.
17:46 But you would recognize that these men are masked. Yes. So they are aware of that camera as well.
17:51 It's daylight. They're aware of the camera and they went in there to execute the robbery.
17:57 So it suggests that they may have been paying surveillance to the property over time.
18:02 Now, the blowhorns that we are seeing being used. Yes. Could we see more of that for in different communities?
18:08 And of course, with the community watch groups, because now once we know the persons in the area, even though persons were screaming.
18:15 Yeah. The blowhorn could also assist in alerting the rest of the residents in the area that something is happening.
18:22 And that's why we encourage the neighborhood watch groups. There's also the whistle, which is a loud piercing sound that once the string is pulled, it makes that noise as well as the blowhorn.
18:35 So we would encourage persons, if you don't have a neighborhood watch group, meet with the people in your area and you form a group and take the measures by the blowhorn, as you would suggest,
18:46 and also the whistle so that that information would go out and at least it may scare or alert the other members of the community that something is happening.
18:56 You know, we encourage persons to really take all the necessary precautions because the criminals are becoming bolder and bolder.
19:05 But we are not we are not going to sit by as the police and not take action where this is concerned.
19:12 We need to take a break. And when we come back, we'll take your calls and more. We'll be back.
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20:20 We are back and you can give us a call at 623-1711 extension 1992, 1993, 1996 and 1997.
20:35 Now, Senior Superintendent Peer, with regards to community engagement, what are some of the initiatives you all have in place for your unit to engage with the community?
20:45 Okay, so the Interagency Task Force has, I would say, one of the most proficient community-oriented operations in the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service in the name of the hearts and minds.
20:58 The hearts and minds has been in existence from 2005 to present.
21:05 The hearts and minds has embedded themselves or ourselves into the 53 communities in which we serve in the East Border Spain area.
21:16 When we had that aggressive or approach to policing back in 2003, when it was needed to stymie the crime situation, Border Spain, after that control came into fruition,
21:33 we looked at the fact that we needed to now get closer to the community as the police officers.
21:40 So it is now not them and us because we are also members of communities.
21:46 So it was born then with the intention for the police and the members of the community to be living harmoniously or communicating harmoniously.
21:57 But do you think we need to bring back that style a little bit, especially with what we are seeing now, the climate of the crime situation in Trinidad and Tobago,
22:07 to somewhat suppress what we are seeing?
22:10 Well, the thing is, it has never left the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, you know, because we do have our community-oriented police section in the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
22:20 We have community-oriented police in each of the 10 divisions of the police service where they go out into the communities and do a lot of work.
22:30 So I will speak to the IETF and the Hearts and Minds in that in 2005, when we wanted to fuse ourselves with the community,
22:39 what was done was we had a Christmas treat for the children.
22:46 And the officers back then would have been the ones who, you know, put up their money together to buy these gifts for the little children, to make those children feel a part of.
22:56 And it started off back then with approximately, say, 500 children.
23:01 Now Christmas on the Hill has grown so magnanimously that we probably have about 35,000 to 5,000 children will come out for the Christmas on the Hill.
23:11 The Hearts and Minds is also involved in a project called Mission to the World.
23:17 That's where we have that partnership with foreign doctors who come twice for the year and we have that medical service provided for the communities.
23:29 And that has been ongoing for many, many years and continues.
23:34 So, you know, those persons look forward to it.
23:37 We've also started many projects where the police would have taken lead and then hand over these projects to the communities so that they are now, you know, they're empowered and they're doing their thing.
23:50 We have the Zeppa Peak production.
23:53 That's the carnival band every year where the Hearts and Minds is heavily invested in that as well.
24:00 So you have children coming from all the different communities to be part of Zeppa Peak production and it's something that, you know, they look forward to.
24:09 And those are just, you know, three of many projects that the Hearts and Minds has done.
24:14 Many people call for the service of the Hearts and Minds when it comes to lecturing to the children in schools and so on.
24:24 So it is one of the most infusing community-oriented police operations in the police service.
24:32 So with regards to areas that are considered hotspots then, where does these initiatives step in?
24:39 Does it work? Do they embrace the initiatives that you all are trying to put or place within the communities so they could spearhead it also?
24:48 Oh yes, that, the Hearts and Minds, it's like a 54th community.
24:56 Okay.
24:57 Right?
24:58 So the 53 communities we see about, but we are like the 54th community.
25:02 We are there and we are in the midst of everything in those communities.
25:08 The interaction between the members of the public and the Hearts and Minds, it's beautiful.
25:13 So what is the next step for us to deal with a lot of the gang violence that we are seeing in the communities now where we know the initiatives are there,
25:22 especially to assist the young persons and the families that live in these communities.
25:27 But what is your unit doing to find a way to hold on to the horns of this bull that is seemingly running wild?
25:37 Right, so we have a suspension program running in the IETF where instead of the children who are suspended go home and do nothing to become more empowered into criminal behavior,
25:51 they spend that time with the police and other social assistance that is provided where they get the opportunity to see life differently.
26:02 And in that way, we have seen successes in children being transformed in their mind.
26:09 And the objective of transforming minds is what we need across Trinidad and Tobago, you know,
26:14 because people speak to, you know, the police in a negative format.
26:21 But where do the criminals come from?
26:25 Home.
26:26 They come from homes, right?
26:28 The police that serve the communities come from communities.
26:31 The criminals that perpetrate the crimes come from communities.
26:35 So it means that all communities have to invest in that changing of the minds of the people within your community.
26:45 There was a greater belief or respect for the religious entity in Trinidad and Tobago, and that has dwindled immensely.
26:54 A lot.
26:55 When a child of the STA believed that if I did wrong, God would punish me.
26:59 They don't care.
27:00 That's out of the picture now.
27:02 Then who's going to deal with me?
27:04 The police?
27:05 So what are we doing then now with regards to the guardians, the parents?
27:11 Because to me, the main issue here is that, yes, we are seeing young ones going out and doing the most and breaking the laws and have no respect.
27:20 But as you said, they came from a home.
27:23 So it seems like the persons who are tarnishing the minds of these young people that are now doing what they're doing basically are the people standing before them right now.
27:34 I will tell you that apart from the hearts and minds doing a lot of the work with also parents to empower them, to give them that different thinking towards parenting and upbringing, because you want your child to be the best version of themselves that they could be.
27:52 So we want to encourage the parents.
27:54 So we do that in the hearts and minds.
27:56 But I would also say that that is done across the police service.
28:00 We have really dedicated officers who go out there and make that effort to transform parents as well as children.
28:10 Yes. Thank you for that.
28:11 Let's take a break.
28:12 When we come back, we will continue.
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29:39 And we are back. If you're not joining us, we welcome you. Senior Superintendent Michael Peer of the IATF with us this evening.
29:51 Remember, you could give us a call at 623-1711 extension 1992, 1993, 1996 and 1997.
29:59 Now I want you to take a look at what was caught on camera in the Coover area here and I want you all to pay attention to how important it is for you to be very vigilant when you're in your surroundings.
30:26 It seems like even having a wall doesn't make a difference.
30:30 You wouldn't believe one of the best security systems still remains dogs.
30:37 And when you think it's just one person, that is five, that's four persons outside here, one person went in and then there's what a driver I'm assuming.
30:45 And they're just killing the walls like they're in training.
30:52 Those persons do a lot of what we call recce. So they go forward into the areas, they canvas the areas, look for the vulnerable homes.
31:04 At the weak points.
31:06 Yes, and that's how they then they would know which home to attack because they would know who is at the home, what kind of money they have, their valuables and that's how they approach these things.
31:18 And many times the vehicles that we're seeing that these monsters are using are stolen vehicles.
31:26 Yes, obviously.
31:27 So even though when yes, you get the information as quickly as possible to the TTPs, sometimes they may switch a vehicle.
31:35 Yes.
31:36 And that is the tactic that is used many, many times.
31:41 When you think it's one, as I said, you think it's one person and when you watch the rest of the video, you see how many persons are coming out.
31:48 Yes.
31:49 Yeah?
31:50 Yeah.
31:51 So also.
31:52 It's very organized.
31:53 Yeah, it's extremely organized. And this is what I'm saying, for you to have that skill set and use it in a negative way.
31:58 And it could be used in a way that could be beneficial to you in a positive way.
32:04 Yes.
32:05 They don't use it.
32:06 They don't.
32:07 They say, "I'm not talented. I was born with nothing. Go there, give me anything." That's not true.
32:12 Yes. And a lot of the times, even though when you speak to these people, they will say, "Well, they have, so why should I take from them?"
32:21 They have more than what I already have.
32:23 We wish to remind the criminal elements out there that regardless of how small it is, that you commit a crime, it is punishable by law.
32:34 So that once we get the necessary evidence, we will go after you.
32:39 Yes.
32:40 Right? And we are going relentlessly.
32:42 Now, we'll take a call before we head to the media release. Let's take that call.
32:47 Sure.
32:48 Hello, good evening.
32:49 Hi, good evening, Mrs. Osmond.
32:50 Good evening, Sue.
32:51 Good evening, Sue.
32:52 I remember the gentleman from the Southern Division in the Los Ingleses. I just wanted to make one or two comments here.
33:00 I noticed that we know we have to put in cameras, we have to install security gates, security fencing, they're jumping over now.
33:10 What else must the law-abiding citizen do to protect himself?
33:17 I must lock myself in my house, write people to be put in?
33:21 Because that is the only suggestion law enforcement and everybody seems to be suggesting to me now, you know.
33:30 I don't know what else to do.
33:32 I listened to Marlon this morning on the program and he's saying, you know, you have to lock yourself in your house.
33:39 I don't know what else you want citizens to do.
33:43 And what is the police interaction in all these things and dealing with these criminals?
33:50 What is their plan? What is your plan, officer?
33:53 What has the TTPS been doing?
33:56 Because we are only hearing talk and we are seeing people jumping, your fences, brutalizing, all people brutalizing, your dogs brutalizing every citizen.
34:07 How can you, the TTPS, give me a sense of...
34:11 Because I have no sense of reassurance or safety as it stands now.
34:16 I have three children, an old mother with me.
34:21 What is the TTPS doing for children that are not available?
34:24 I listen to all the seniors.
34:26 Yes.
34:28 And I acknowledge your question.
34:30 The fear of crime faces everyone.
34:34 And in some instances, we find that when we get a video of something that is nice, we don't share the video, but we share a crime video to everybody because we want people to see what's going on.
34:49 That increases the fear of crime.
34:51 The police in every community may not do as much as we can do because of constraints, but we do a lot of work.
35:01 Because if we do not go out there and we decide that we're going to down tools, of course there will be anarchy and chaos.
35:08 But we can't police our areas alone because we bring people before the court with evidence, not with information.
35:18 And in most instances, the evidence comes from a victim or an ICU witness or somebody who can provide information that can be transformed into evidence to put the persons before the court.
35:31 We conduct patrols in every area.
35:35 Sometimes we have on the blue lights.
35:37 People say the blue light's too bright.
35:39 But the blue lights are a deterrent.
35:42 We patrol as much as we can, but we also do strategic policing.
35:49 We're not going to just patrol an area just for patrol's sake.
35:53 What we do is we do analysis and we look at the spatial analysis, the temporal analysis, the time and the location, when the crimes happen, and then we would organize our patrols and so on to satisfy that.
36:10 But crime does not stay stagnated.
36:12 It shifts, so we have to constantly shift according to how it goes.
36:16 But I'm saying to you, sir, that we are doing everything within our power.
36:21 We are training our officers.
36:24 We are trying to increase our strength in terms of the police to ensure that all members of the public feel the safety from the police officers.
36:31 But we will also ask you as a member of the public, partner with us.
36:36 Make friends with a police officer because sometimes you may need some assistance.
36:40 Call us.
36:41 Communicate with us.
36:43 And let us do what we have to do.
36:45 But we need you to help us, too.
36:47 Now, what about areas that you know home invasions are likely to happen?
36:53 Where, of course, sometimes you have to get in the mind of a criminal.
36:59 And as officers, because they do the same when it comes to the TTPS, so they're thinking, okay, an officer could be here, they could patrol here, all these areas.
37:10 So they will choose and be particular where they're choosing their areas.
37:13 So if you know that there's chances that these areas, they'll have more home invasions, shouldn't they have more patrols, not just the vehicular patrols, but foot patrols, the presence?
37:26 It's felt a little bit more in these areas, knowing that these areas are a high risk for home invasions?
37:35 We can't deem any area to be the high risk area for home invasions.
37:41 What happens is that those crimes are not random.
37:47 If there's a random, it's a one-off.
37:50 It is organized crime.
37:52 Those persons go out into the area.
37:54 They canvass the area.
37:56 They do certain things before they target specific houses.
38:01 Now, the information of it would not come to us beforehand.
38:05 But, however, when we do get the information, we hold the town meetings, alert persons with regards to what can or cannot be done.
38:14 We try to cover those areas greater with patrols.
38:19 At the particular time, we see the type of crimes taking place.
38:22 However, to zone down and say, well, this is a hot area for home invasions, which actually we use the term kind of loosely, but it's home invasions, not really a crime.
38:36 It's a robbery, a burglary, as the case may be.
38:39 But, again, we cannot just say that this area is a hot area for home invasions.
38:49 In many of those areas, we may advise the members of the public how to go about being vigilant for your safety.
38:59 In a lot of instances, we are ignored.
39:03 The information that you give out, it is not adhered to.
39:08 In some instances, the persons out there make themselves soft targets.
39:14 We are asking persons all the time to make yourself a hard target.
39:19 Don't give the criminal that free opportunity to just rob you of your belongings.
39:25 I just hope that as well that you could send a message to the criminals that we're not coming to play.
39:32 Because we always, as the caller said, we are getting the messages.
39:36 We are the ones who have to try to figure out how to protect ourselves.
39:40 And we are receiving the messages, but it seems like the criminal elements, they're not receiving the messages.
39:45 And we need the TTPS to send messages to them to let them know that we're not playing.
39:50 We need to take a break and we'll be back.
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40:06 Thanks.
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40:36 [Music]
40:42 What's up, you guys? I'm Ren.
40:44 And I'm Kim.
40:45 Welcome to Conversations with Ren and Kim.
40:47 On our show, we dive deep into the stories that matter.
40:50 From inspiring individuals making a difference.
40:53 To experts sharing their insights on the latest trends and topics.
40:57 We're here to spark conversations that challenge, inspire, and entertain.
41:02 Whether it's about art, culture, technology, or everyday life, we've got you covered.
41:07 So join us every Saturday for conversations and unforgettable moments.
41:12 See you there.
41:14 And we are back. We continue with your calls. We have a call on the line. Hello, good evening.
41:23 Hello?
41:26 Yes, sir. Good afternoon.
41:28 Good evening, sir.
41:30 I know it's yours. I tried very hard to get you on the program.
41:35 But I know you're all doing a wonderful job.
41:38 But the thing is, how would it work if you don't want to teach and create?
41:44 And they say, by that time, by that time, half of Trinidad will be gone.
41:50 So, just now, we're not hearing you properly.
41:54 I'm not sure if your television set is on.
41:57 If it is, take it off so we can hear you clearly. We are not hearing you.
42:01 Is he still there? Okay.
42:10 We'll get him back there.
42:13 Hello?
42:14 Yes, good afternoon. It's Eddie Park.
42:17 Right.
42:19 I listen to the program all the time.
42:22 But the thing is, what I want to know is,
42:27 with this firearm license, we have a problem with it.
42:32 You cannot get through with it.
42:36 I don't know why, but it's easier to buy a gun.
42:39 How is that? It's more easier to buy a gun and cheaper to buy a gun than to apply legally for it.
42:47 Then, the next thing you all just know, you know, with the train officers,
42:54 by the time you train them, it's because we had a commission of police who were trying to remove it.
43:04 They put somebody, it gets worse, and they're doing nothing about that.
43:09 When would you do something about it?
43:11 Look at the homeless in Mesa.
43:13 Everybody is on hold there, and nothing is being created.
43:18 So what are we going to do?
43:21 Thank you. Thanks for calling.
43:23 So he's speaking about, from what I gather, the FUL, the firearm license, and prisons,
43:28 the process that it takes, which is a conversation that we have on the show many times, right?
43:34 And what is it stopping someone from purchasing an illegal one now?
43:38 Because from what we are seeing here, persons want to protect their families, want to protect their lives,
43:45 and then they will deal with the consequences after, because that's how it seems like the criminals are operating.
43:50 They're not just there to, you know, want to have a firearm.
43:54 They want to harm persons with the firearm.
43:56 Well, illegal firearm, that is.
43:58 What I would say to the caller and all the persons who think along the line,
44:04 I ask you to continue with your patience and trust the process, right?
44:10 I am not the person with the responsibility, so I can't speak further to it,
44:14 but I will ask you to trust the process.
44:17 And also remember, if you acquire an illegal firearm, then you become also a perpetrator.
44:24 You also are a criminal.
44:27 So we would not want you to criminalize yourself to decriminalize the situation.
44:33 But if they're out of that, then they're lying down in a hospital bed.
44:37 I think people will choose that.
44:39 Well, again, it's a choice people have to make, but we as the police, we'll continue to ask you to trust the process.
44:48 Firearms will not, you know, the issue of firearms will not solve the crimes.
44:52 Crimes are solved by evidence.
44:54 And regardless of whether one has a firearm for protection or not,
44:59 it still will not change the fact that a crime would have occurred and we need to deal with the crime through evidence.
45:05 Let's take another call. Hello. Good evening.
45:08 Hello. Good evening.
45:10 Good afternoon to the panel.
45:13 Yes, good evening, sir.
45:14 Good evening, sir.
45:16 Well, let me make a short discussion. Two points I have.
45:19 First of all, the video that was shown there before where the people tried to restrain the perpetrator,
45:28 the perpetrator.
45:30 Now, we, in one hand, the police is saying be careful that he doesn't use excessive amount of power, which is good.
45:41 Now, in that situation, I saw where the lady was beaten up and so forth.
45:47 Now, if they, in that rush, are journaling here and somebody took up something and hit this man in the head and died,
45:55 you know, they're charging him for murder.
45:58 Then now you come and say excessive force, but in the case there, he was, they were trying to defend themselves.
46:06 So we are, we are the monkey panther between the deep blue sea according to the direction,
46:11 because they're still bringing a lot of excessive force.
46:14 Now the neighborhood watch, everybody come out, they will want to lend a helping hand and throw, maybe throw a blow or something.
46:24 Then finally, listen to me carefully, officer.
46:27 In Trinidad and Tobago, they were saying now everything is gang, gang, gang, gang.
46:33 And I don't believe it's that, because what I see causing crime to escalate into that is some petty little civil things happen.
46:43 For instance, if somebody owe you a thousand dollars and you put them to court, the court degrades.
46:51 The police can't do nothing, the police say we can't do nothing, put it to court.
46:56 I explained this to you, put it to court, and here we're coming out.
46:59 They keep on offering a thousand dollars for you, the court put it to about 10, 15 times.
47:05 Here you are now suffering because you want your money.
47:09 Now when you take the law into your hands there now, then they're saying it's a gang.
47:14 It's not gang related, it's because the government, the judiciary failed to operate one petty civil matter lasting five years in the court.
47:23 We are not allowed to own the law, understand what I'm saying Mr. President?
47:26 So the government itself, we, causing crime in Trinidad people, too much advantage we're taking on individuals.
47:35 Thank you.
47:36 So you spoke about the excessive force, of course persons who may be trying to defend themselves in situations.
47:44 And many times we have seen citizens who apprehend a criminal who may have committed some sort of crime in their area.
47:54 And we see them tie up basically like a pig on a stick.
47:58 And they say that's excessive force.
48:01 I can't recall a situation like that in my mind.
48:09 But what I would say is that if someone comes into your property and you have a family member there who is in danger, life is in danger,
48:20 and you defend yourself or defend your family member, you're entitled to defend yourself.
48:27 You're entitled to defend your property and entitled to defend your family member.
48:32 So don't go deeply into the arm of investigation and suggest that blanket across the board that is going to be a situation where excessive force is going to be considered.
48:43 That would be incorrect.
48:46 When the situation happens, if that person ends up in the hospital or wherever, that perpetrator, then an investigation will take place.
48:57 And we have to allow the investigative arm to do what we must do.
49:02 But I would say to you, you are entitled and you should defend yourself.
49:08 And you also spoke about persons taking matters into their own hands to deal with maybe a situation.
49:15 Well, he was just basically giving reference to why we're seeing a lot of gang activities.
49:20 It's because of persons owing other people money, which I mean, that isn't really the case, but we understand that.
49:27 But I think I will narrow it down to persons having interaction with someone they didn't like how it played out.
49:34 And they took matters into their own hands and not go to law enforcement.
49:37 What do you say to persons to do that?
49:39 Well, I would say that in some instances, the gentleman spoke of, he was speaking about a civil matter.
49:46 And we are the police to deal with crime and criminal behavior.
49:50 We may be able to advise that individual of what he can do from a civil platform.
49:59 You know, one of the things the police service has done with regards to this is we had established the Community Justice Clinic.
50:07 And that is where we have volunteer attorneys who work alongside the police to advise members of the public freely with matters of such nature.
50:18 So every month, the Community Justice Clinic goes to two communities within Trinidad and Tobago,
50:25 where the members of the public can come between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. and receive free legal advice.
50:32 Where persons can get that information, with time and the two different areas that they attend?
50:37 It is posted on the TTPS Facebook page.
50:41 We normally do a media ad and circulate it.
50:47 But once you check the Facebook page, you can get it.
50:49 Right now it is on. There are two areas in the Central Division that the clinic will take place next Saturday.
50:56 And the clinic is the last Saturday of every month, right, at two communities.
51:01 Okay, of course, check out the TTPS Facebook page for more information on that.
51:06 We have to take a break and when we come back, we will wrap things up. We'll be back.
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51:45 The world is in crisis. Distressing news are flowing from every quarter in the society.
51:52 And the hearts of many are failing them for fear.
51:56 However, in the midst of these alarming conditions come good news.
52:02 Jesus Christ saves, keeps and satisfies.
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52:10 [Music]
52:16 [Music]
52:20 And we are back in your media release today.
52:22 The Spaceside Shooter granted 1 million bail.
52:25 A dancehall artist appeared virtually before Master Margaret Sucrege.
52:32 On May 16th, Kalonji Arthur, 26 of Goldsboro, was granted 1 million dollars bail with surety in the alternative 100,000 dollars own bail.
52:47 The matter is hearing, the matter that is hearing on February 26th, 2025.
52:53 Arthur was charged on May 15th with six counts of wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
53:00 Wounding with intent, possession of firearm to endanger life, possession of ammunition to endanger life, and possession of firearm and possession of ammunition.
53:11 And of course, the TTPS is definitely working on the situation that we're seeing, or situations that are taking place in Tobago as well,
53:18 as we see the gang violence and violence trickling over into Tobago.
53:22 And as I said, they're keeping a serious eye on that to try to have some sort of control where we're seeing the violence taking place in Tobago.
53:31 Now, just to remind you as well, in the eastern side of Trinidad that is, on Saturday we get ready for the Malibu spreading love throughout their community.
53:45 So get ready for that.
53:46 And remember there's contact information there that you could call for more information and it will be taking place in the Malibu area.
53:54 And it is on this Saturday.
53:56 Bring out your friends, your family and put in some other areas as well.
54:00 You could also attend.
54:02 Now, this is the time where we give you the opportunity, opportunity, senior superintendent to say a few words to the public of Trinidad and Tobago.
54:11 Yes. Members of the public, I would say to you all that the average officer, police officer who joins the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service joins with the intention of serving as police officers.
54:24 Back in the yesterday, it was different from how it is now.
54:29 However, we all stick to the mandate, which is our vision to make every place in Trinidad and Tobago safe.
54:36 We do that using our mission statement, which is partnering with communities and our communities are not just the communities where people live.
54:46 It's the business community, the religious community and every community that can be considered.
54:52 We need to see crime as a serious scourge.
54:56 Every one of us and we need to take action.
54:59 We need to work together harmoniously to bring down the crime situation in Trinidad and Tobago so that we can achieve our vision of making every place in Trinidad and Tobago safe.
55:09 But we need to do it together.
55:11 Of course. And with that being said, we want to stress, which is very important that the public understand that you need to make yourself a hot target.
55:20 I know that we always repeat this over and over on the show.
55:24 But you'll see what is taking place in Trinidad. And it's getting to the point where we can't even enjoy ourselves in our own homes because we just don't know who may be wrong.
55:35 If you see a strange car, we please we ask you call the police, even if it's someone not doing anything and you're not accustomed to seeing that vehicle there.
55:44 Call the police. If you're driving into an area and you know you have to go home and you don't know that car, don't pull up in your driveway because you never know.
55:52 Make yourself a hot target. We want you to also enjoy the rest of your weekend. Have a enjoyable one.
55:58 And of course, to senior superintendent Michael Peer of the IATF. I know he has a really long remainder of the evening into weekend, into the following week.
56:10 I know you all work extremely hard. And of course, to your units as well.
56:13 I hope that you all remain safe and able to protect and serve all of the citizens throughout Trinidad and Tobago.
56:20 We get ready for news coming up next at seven o'clock. TNT have a safe and enjoyable weekend.
56:26 TNT always remember, be pure and just and have God in your life no matter what.
56:32 Do have a good one and a blessed one. TNT, we are out.
56:37 Blessings.
56:39 (Music)
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