Skip to playerSkip to main content
CCNTV6
  • 8 months ago
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Social and Welfare Association expects to meet with the new Minister of Homeland Security in about one week's time. Association President Gideon Dickson says among his priority items for the meeting are guns for all police officers, before general members of the public are considered. Rynessa Cutting has more.
Transcript
00:00Guns for police first. It's the position of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Social and Welfare Association
00:07as the government seeks to put measures in place to allow citizens to carry arms.
00:13We believe that we have reached a stage where policing dictates that officers need to be armed 24 hours a day.
00:22So if consideration in legislation could be for police officers in particular
00:27and even by extension of our prison colleagues, prison officer colleagues,
00:33consideration for them to be armed, we would welcome that.
00:38Dixon says he believes that if police officers are properly resourced and equipped,
00:44it could negate the need for the average citizen to get a firearm.
00:49That will be now based on a needs basis as opposed to everyone.
00:53So I think that there is a middle point that we could reach.
00:57That could be reached.
01:00And, but again, government policy might dictate one thing.
01:04And once you speak to government policy, we do law enforcement officers.
01:09We just have to enforce the law.
01:12The association is also inspired by another one of the government's campaign promises,
01:1810% increase for public servants.
01:20But Dixon says he believes the police deserves special consideration.
01:25There should be a delinking of the protective service away from that of the public service at the length.
01:36Because issues that impact our livelihood, even after service,
01:45isn't really the same as other public service officials.
01:52So more than 10% is needed is what you're saying?
01:55What I'm saying is this, right?
01:58The job evaluation exercise will say how much is needed.
02:02The association expects to meet with the new Minister of Homeland Security in about one week's time.
02:08And Dixon says he's optimistic.
02:10We wouldn't have to sell him our story because he knows it.
02:16Off the cuff, we could say on paper, it will bring more value to us
02:19because now you have the National Security Ministry actually having a dedicated staff
02:27to deal with issues of your homeland security,
02:31most of your police, your prisons, your fire,
02:34and all the other entities that fall under that umbrella.
02:36Renasa Cutting, TV6 News.
02:40Renasa Cutting, TV6 News.
Be the first to comment
Add your comment