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.
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