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  • 4 months ago
The T&T Police Service is addressing some concerns in the public domain concerning the stationing of officers in 50 schools that were listed by the Ministry of Education.


The TTPS says, it is keeping an eye on other schools as well.


Alicia Boucher has the details.
Transcript
00:00Police officers have long been working with the nation's schools under different programs.
00:05The TDPR says the new school-oriented policing initiative is another one added to the list
00:10in order to provide support for staff and students at schools in areas deemed high-risk.
00:16Deputy Commissioner of Police in Charge of Operations Junior Benjamin says
00:19it is aimed at giving lectures, making referrals, promoting positive behavior,
00:24instilling law and order, and keeping all occupants of these schools safe.
00:29We have at least 50 schools, 50 schools that would have police officers,
00:3710, a further 10 of the secondary schools would be schools where we have a roving,
00:44that roving system where police officers would be going to those schools,
00:49and also, in addition, a further 10 schools would have, from the primary schools,
00:55that would have that roving system.
00:56According to Benjamin, officers would be going to those schools
01:00and speaking with the principals twice daily.
01:03The schools which are receiving roving police support do not have officers stationed inside.
01:08The TDPR says the Education Ministry will continue to assess the situation
01:12in terms of adding schools to the list and otherwise.
01:16And while placing armed police officers in the nation's schools is a contentious topic to some,
01:21DCP Benjamin is seeking to add clarity.
01:24These officers are trained and we understand, again, I want us to appreciate the whole idea
01:31of the firearms in school, again, we must appreciate it is there to ensure the safety
01:38and security of the students, the teachers, as well as visitors.
01:43And only, it is one that is only going to be used when a person's life is in danger,
01:50and we want to ensure that our police officers, at any time, if they are called upon,
01:56that they would have the necessary tools to defend themselves and the lives of others.
02:01I want that to be absolutely clear.
02:02The TDPR says these officers have a range of responsibilities,
02:07including maintaining confidentiality and records, responding to emergencies,
02:12monitoring behavior on the school compound, patrolling off-premises,
02:16mentoring students, and communicating with parents when necessary.
02:20Alicia Boucher, TV6 News.
02:23Alicia Boucher, TV6 News.
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