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00:00:00We're young children.
00:00:30Beyond the Tape, we'll be back after these messages.
00:01:00There has never been a better time for TBLA Home Improvement Loan.
00:01:09Call us today at 623-1501 or visit us at tblamortgages.com.
00:01:30This is Mary.
00:01:35Mary has bills to pay and takes a chance parking in front of the building at the no parking sign.
00:01:42Mary returns to her car and this is what happens.
00:01:53Mary decides to call when she's five minutes away to let her daughter know that she is close by.
00:01:59But Mary forgot one thing.
00:02:08After two tickets, Mary just isn't paying attention to her speed.
00:02:13Don't be like Mary.
00:02:29Obey the laws of the road.
00:02:32A message from the TTPS.
00:02:34Welcome back to Beyond the Tape.
00:02:52Or welcome rather to Beyond the Tape.
00:02:53I'm your host, Mark Bassan.
00:02:55Welcome to our viewers across Trinidad and Tobago.
00:02:58Of course, our international viewers and our brothers and sisters in the Isles of Grenada.
00:03:03Well, the rainfalls continue, of course, across Trinidad and Tobago.
00:03:08And we had some landslides in the Fort George Road area.
00:03:14Unfortunately, a vehicle that was actually parked, a direct vehicle on the side of the roadway, fell.
00:03:20As the land moved, that also was taken down with it.
00:03:25And there was also some flooding in the Marval Leaplat village as well.
00:03:33Mount Coco Road, along Mount Coco Road, sorry, with the inclement weather.
00:03:37And there were other parts of Trinidad and Tobago in some parts of the central and also in south Trinidad.
00:03:43Having spent a couple of hours down in south Trinidad today, there was some heavy rainfall.
00:03:49And no doubt, we want to urge all motorists, as they're heading home, to be extremely careful on the nation's roadways.
00:03:57There was actually a massive traffic pileup along the Solomon Hoechui Highway and Uriah Butler Highway.
00:04:04Because a truck apparently, just on top of the Chaguanas flyover there, heading south, just after, or rather before 4 o'clock, the axle seemed to have broken off in the front.
00:04:16And part of the vehicle was actually on the second lane.
00:04:20So police were directing traffic there.
00:04:22And it caused a major, major pileup as far as the eye could go.
00:04:27Because I came back from south, I passed Chaguanas all the way up to Carony and getting along, heading west.
00:04:34That traffic was backed up all the way down to Beesham Highway because of that, as well as, as you know, also rush hour.
00:04:41Of course, today it's Wednesday.
00:04:45And we know that there's a man that follows his CPL very zealously and is probably very happy with last night's result.
00:04:53But none other than Acting Sergeant Zaheer Ali, attenient law with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
00:05:00Welcome, sir. How have you been?
00:05:03Well, I'm okay, Mark.
00:05:04I see you have, you know, disclosed some intelligence to the citizenry of Trinidad and Tobago in terms of my passion and interest in cricket and in this context, CPL.
00:05:13But, you know, a very good evening to you, Mark.
00:05:15And good evening to Jackie and other family members on Beyond the Tape, the citizenry of Trinidad and Tobago, most importantly, my colleagues in the law enforcement agencies and support agencies.
00:05:27Good afternoon to you as well.
00:05:29Mark, I had the, I wonder if I should say the privilege, but I had the opportunity to look at the TB6 news last night.
00:05:39And I saw someone fit in your description in a, yeah, in a celebratory mood, recognizing the, I think it's 34 years of the TB6, CCN-TB6 family.
00:05:56And I think it would be remiss of me, you know, standing on this sacred ground of TB6 and not join with you, Jackie, other family members on Beyond the Tape.
00:06:08The citizenry of Trinidad and Tobago and, by extension, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and support agencies, you know, to not salute, you know, the achievements, the commitment, dedication, and most importantly, fully enjoying the freedom of the press to uphold the democracy of Trinidad and Tobago.
00:06:25So I thought it was important, you know, to again identify it, salute it, and, you know, I want to wish CCN-TB6, you know, continued success in upholding and promoting the democracy of Trinidad and Tobago.
00:06:39So I thought it was important to begin with that this afternoon.
00:06:41I've always spoken about the importance of the media.
00:06:44You know, we have seen the importance of the media, not only nationally, but regionally and internationally, you know, and I want to, you know, urge the media fraternity, you know, to continue to uphold that freedom of the press, you know, seriously, to ensure that the democracy is alive and well.
00:07:05So I thought it was important to begin with that.
00:07:06But like always, Mark, it's a pleasure.
00:07:09It's an honor to be here this afternoon.
00:07:11I know there's a lot happening in Trinidad and Tobago.
00:07:14I know there's a lot of topical issues.
00:07:16You know, I had the opportunity to attend the opening of the law term yesterday.
00:07:21You know, I paid particular attention to the comments and remarks of the Honorable Chief Justice of Trinidad and Tobago.
00:07:28And, you know, I've been involved in, you know, in a lot of matters, you know, of public interest.
00:07:38And, you know, I see how best I can assist you here this afternoon.
00:07:42The members of the public, again, Mark, this, perhaps every show now, I'll have the opportunity to report that the continued engagement and the continued positive feedback, it continues.
00:07:57So those who, again, during this week, I salute you this afternoon.
00:08:02And we thank you for your continued support, your contribution to ensuring that Trinidad and Tobago continues to enjoy that level of prosperity.
00:08:11And from a law enforcement context, again, to urge you to strengthen that partnership between law enforcement and the citizenry of Trinidad and Tobago,
00:08:18especially in the times that, you know, that we are in, you know, and more so, the fact that we continue to be in a state of emergency.
00:08:28So I thought it was important to make those introductory remarks.
00:08:31Yes, certainly. Thanks so much, Sergeant Ali.
00:08:34Of course, you know, TV6 celebrating 34 years of broadcasting excellence.
00:08:39And it would be remiss of me not to mention Mr. Ken Gordon, as well as former CEO, Mr. Craig Raynall.
00:08:47We had Ms. Shida Boulay, who was also the general manager of TV6 for many years.
00:08:51And now we have the CEO, Ms. Dawn Thomas, and others who would have contributed to where this station has, you know,
00:08:58arrived at the pinnacle of broadcasting excellence, as well as the fact that we remain the number one TV station in Trinidad and Tobago.
00:09:06And we hope to continue to exhibit fearless journalism without fear or favor.
00:09:14Speaking of which...
00:09:15Well, Mark, may I just say something before you go, please?
00:09:18And what was also, you know, revealing, you know, and looking at the news.
00:09:23And, you know, I must recognize the Beyond the Tape and Beyond the Tape family because in the reporting last night,
00:09:32Beyond the Tape, the morning edition, and the TV6 News,
00:09:35the three stood out in relation to, if I got it correct, the more popular programs.
00:09:44And, you know, to hear Beyond the Tape, you know, I'm humbled by that.
00:09:47You know, being a stakeholder, you know, being a partner, you know, on Beyond the Tape, you know.
00:09:52So again, Jackie, if you're listening to me, I know that you are a stalwart.
00:09:56And, you know, I must salute you here this afternoon.
00:09:58I know the citizens really do not have an opportunity to see you.
00:10:01But I must salute you because you have carried this program and you continue to, you know, commit yourself, dedicate yourself.
00:10:09Marlon, he's not here.
00:10:10Mark, you know, also played a major role in terms of Beyond the Tape.
00:10:13And, you know, your good self, most importantly, continue to do some great work, especially with that piece in relation to Voice of the People.
00:10:21So, you know, I want to, you know, acknowledge you all, the support teams, you know, to continue that good work.
00:10:27And let us continue to ensure that Beyond the Tape continue to fulfill its objectives and its mandate.
00:10:32Yes, certainly.
00:10:33And as you said, those are three of your staple programs.
00:10:36And no doubt we have to remember those that set that foundation, Mr. Hopkinson, Mr. Alexander, who's now the Homeland Security Minister.
00:10:46Yes.
00:10:46Mr. Fizir Mohamed for Morning Edition.
00:10:49We had Mr. Khali Passat that for many years, and Ms. Sharon Hamad El-Kajou that were the head of news at TV6.
00:10:55So, certainly, you know, we want to thank everybody for continuing to make us the number one viewing station across Trinidad and Tobago as we continue to operate without fear or favor.
00:11:06And, you know, I thought you'd take it away from me in terms of the recognition also of the Honourable Minister of Homeland Security.
00:11:13I was dealing with the media personalities first, but I'll now extend it to him.
00:11:17So, Honourable Minister of Homeland Security, I salute you this afternoon.
00:11:20I know that you yourself have, you know, played a major role in this program, and Mark may extend it to all the officers and all the specially invited guests.
00:11:30On a Monday, we have...
00:11:32Captain Valence Rambara.
00:11:34That's correct.
00:11:34And all the other stakeholders who, every single day of the week, you know, make their time to come in this program, you know, to put their hands together, to join with the citizenship of Trinidad and Tobago, to ensure that we discuss issues, we provide solutions, you know, receive the criticism.
00:11:48So, again, I want to salute all my colleagues and all the stakeholders who continue to appear and do justice to be on the table.
00:11:57Right.
00:11:57Okay, so, getting on to something a little more heavier.
00:12:01I know that, you know, the police presence in the schools is now about a week and three days odd.
00:12:08Yes.
00:12:08And I know that I would like you to kind of walk us through in terms of the legalities in the schools and the police powers that they have inside of these schools.
00:12:17Well, Mark, that's a very, very, very sensitive question.
00:12:20And I want to approach it like this.
00:12:24That when we are speaking about police officers, and in this context, the Special Reserve Police Officers,
00:12:33immediately, we are speaking about the authority of the Special Reserve Police Act 1503,
00:12:42which basically enjoys all powers, rights, and immunities like the regular police in keeping with chapter 1501.
00:12:51Now, why am I saying that?
00:12:52If we were to look at that particular decision, you will see exactly where a very important power to detect crime and other infractions of the law.
00:13:04So, immediately, when police officers, wherever they may be, if there is a breach of the criminal law, whether a minor offense, a serious offense, what have you,
00:13:16once there is a breach of the criminal law, police officers have a jurisdiction, the Special Reserve Police Officers has a jurisdiction to intervene,
00:13:24to preserve the fees, gather evidence, and if need be, prosecute persons.
00:13:27So, I want to be abundantly clear about that.
00:13:29So, yes, we may have had police officers in the fraternity of the school as a preventative measure, as a support system,
00:13:38but it does not take away the powers that resides in law with reference to police officers and a principal mandate to detect crime and other infraction of the law.
00:13:48Now, there are other role and functions of the police, but I think it was important to signal that particular area,
00:13:54so that we get a very clear picture, that any infraction, any commission of any criminal offense, and police officers are present,
00:14:05or it's reported to police officers, they have a jurisdiction to take the necessary action.
00:14:10So, on the other hand, whilst the police officers are there, if there is no breach of the criminal law,
00:14:16but they are called upon by the principal of the school, who is responsible for the discipline, safety, and security of the school,
00:14:22they are, again, obligated to render the necessary assistance.
00:14:26Let us pay attention to our motto, Mark.
00:14:28Our motto speaks to what? To protect and serve with pride.
00:14:32So, I would have given you, initially, the protection part, dealing with criminal law, dealing with the prevention of crime, the detection of crime.
00:14:40And on the other hand, I give you the service element, which is if the principal, and especially in this status quo,
00:14:46with this partnership, if the principal, or a teacher, or the MTS officers, or the security officers, or whoever on that school compound,
00:14:56including students, or him parents, call for the assistance, the police officers are obligated to render assistance in matters that may not be criminally inclined,
00:15:07but assisting in whatever capacity.
00:15:09So, I want to be able to make that clear demarcation and that distinction with reference to the presence of the police officers.
00:15:15The question that one may ask is, okay, or I should say the other consideration one may have is in relation to the initiation of criminal proceedings where children are concerned.
00:15:25And when we look at it, I have said on this program on numerous occasions, there's an age limit in relation to attracting criminal liability,
00:15:34where there's a presumption that a child seven years and under do not have the requisite mental capacity or understanding to be able to be held responsible for a criminal act.
00:15:46But remember the word I'm using, there's a presumption.
00:15:48So, there's situations where a child seven and over could be held liable for a criminal offense.
00:15:55So, that's the first point I'd like to make.
00:15:56The second issue is that the decision to initiate criminal proceedings is a very sensitive decision, Mark.
00:16:02And I will immediately advise on public television for every stakeholder that when a decision has to be taken to initiate proceedings,
00:16:11I will strongly advise that the director of public prosecutions where children are concerned that he is engaged or that office is engaged to properly weigh the public interest in terms of whether we should initiate or not initiate criminal proceedings against children
00:16:27because there may be an alternative in relation to dealing with a child.
00:16:30So, that is an area that I will really strongly recommend that that area is developed immediately.
00:16:36And perhaps we may be looking at the National School of Conduct and the integrated matrix to determine what is the policy position regarding dealing with children who may have run afoul of the criminal law
00:16:51and see whether, in fact, the laws that may be in existence to treat with any acts of criminality, whether those laws should be applied.
00:16:59And if it should be applied, the DPP office should be engaged to be able to properly balance that matter.
00:17:04So, it is children, and remember, last but not least, Mark, under the international law, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child,
00:17:13that we must always be taking actions that promote the best interests of the child.
00:17:17So, if the best interests of the child requires not initiating criminal proceedings, then the DPP will make that decision together with other stakeholders.
00:17:25If it requires because of the gravity of the offense, let's say, for example, it's an offense that involves, and I don't want to use this example, but let's say a serious wounding.
00:17:35Yes.
00:17:35You may find that the law may be moving in the direction of initiating criminal proceedings because you have what?
00:17:41The victim may require justice, the community may require justice, and this may be the avenue to place that individual, that offender,
00:17:49before the courts of Trinidad and Tobago so that the necessary intervention to bring parents in, to have the child assessed,
00:17:56to look at rehabilitation and other processes to be able to ensure that justice is served across the board.
00:18:05So, I know that was a mouthful for you, Mark, you know, but I think it's a very sensitive area, and I had to approach it in the way that I approached it this afternoon
00:18:13just to ensure that we are concise and we recognize, most importantly, that this is serious business.
00:18:21Well, I'm glad that you were able to break it down so succinctly so that at least persons or parents that are concerned about the police presence in schools,
00:18:30is that you can't have one or not the other because we have had speeds of school violence over the last two years
00:18:37and now that the police is now there to assist, we would want to think that it's a better, safer environment
00:18:46where we are hopeful that we will see a dramatic drop in school violence over the next couple of months
00:18:52and the police officers who have been trained to do such will execute their jobs to the best of their ability.
00:18:57Well, beautifully placed, Mark. Beautifully placed in terms of, I do not want to be seeing our police officers being viewed as ornaments in the school.
00:19:06I am certain that when they are parading and dispatched to perform their duty in whatever school
00:19:11that they will be told to be alert on duty and one of your responsibilities is to preserve the peace
00:19:16and detect crime under the infraction of the law.
00:19:20So, they are not ornaments. They are not to be dressed looking, you know, great appearance and turnout.
00:19:27They are to police the school, preserve the peace and lend the necessary support to the stakeholders
00:19:32to ensure that the school's purpose is realized and not affected by acts of criminality.
00:19:39So, I just want to just ensure that we are lucidly clear with reference to the presence of the police officers,
00:19:45their role and functions, which I have given it, basically broken it into two contexts.
00:19:50That's rendering the service part, if there is a need to render service for whatever reason.
00:19:55But most importantly, the protection, which may call for an enforcement of the criminal law
00:20:00and the initiation of criminal proceedings subject to an intervention by independent officers.
00:20:06Thanks a lot for clearing that up, Sergeant Allian, giving some clarification.
00:20:11Of course, you know, over the last 24 to 48 hours, there were some reassignments with the Deputy Commissioners of Police
00:20:18and, of course, Mr. ACP Wainmeister being sent on 16 months' leave.
00:20:24And, of course, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Guvero, wanted to clear the air
00:20:30and he sent out this voice note late yesterday afternoon.
00:20:34I also wish to clarify the circumstances surrounding the vacation leave of Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Wainmeister.
00:20:45His leave was also part of my broader strategy for managing senior leadership capacity.
00:20:53As whilst vacation leave had been restricted for certain ranks due to the ongoing state of emergency,
00:21:01officers within the 1st Division have continued to receive leave entitlements
00:21:07as their absence does not compromise operational continuity.
00:21:14At no point during the SOE were 1st Division officers recalled from leave
00:21:20as the TTPS's deployment strategy was meticulously calibrated to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
00:21:33ACP Meister holds a strategic level position and thus falls outside of the operational and tactical command levels.
00:21:42Leadership decisions within the TTPS are guided by institutional priorities and not personalities or even speculation.
00:21:54I remain focused on building a service that is disciplined, adaptive, and worthy of public trust.
00:22:03And as such, I encourage citizens to rely on official TTPS communications for accurate information
00:22:13and to continue supporting the ongoing transformation which is occurring within our national security architecture.
00:22:20Commissioner of Police there, of course, trying to clear the air, maybe from another media.
00:22:27But I do recall, Sergeant Ali, and you can correct me, was that during the parade last week,
00:22:34about a week ago, Homeland Security Minister had alluded to some kind of, you know,
00:22:39something happening in the executive of the TTPS.
00:22:42And of course, he was later questioned by the media and he would have said what he had to say.
00:22:46And of course, the Commissioner was also asked, but he didn't comment.
00:22:51You know, Mark, you know, these matters are very sensitive matters.
00:22:54And, you know, while I, you know, would love to comment on these matters,
00:22:58because where I sit, you know, it's important for me to take a very, very reserved position.
00:23:04And I think the Commissioner has spoken, you know, he has made his statements.
00:23:08The Honorable Minister of Homeland Security also has spoken in relation to the matter.
00:23:12And I'm sure that other stakeholders have also spoken, case in point, the association.
00:23:18Yes.
00:23:18The Trinidad and Tobago Police Welfare, Social and Welfare Association have spoken.
00:23:23So, you know, Mark, I want to take a very reserved position this afternoon.
00:23:26But, you know, I want also to invite the citizenry of Trinidad and Tobago to also be responsible
00:23:33in terms of how we, you know, receive and how we comment on these matters,
00:23:39just to ensure that it's in the best interest.
00:23:41It's a Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, which is mandated to deal with safety and security.
00:23:46And, you know, we want to ensure that there is no prejudice.
00:23:48So, hence why I'm taking a reserved position, but calling for total responsible actions and conduct
00:23:54on all stakeholders in relation to this matter.
00:23:57No doubt.
00:23:58And we're shifting gears a little bit, of course.
00:24:01There was an unfortunate homicide yesterday evening of an engineer in the Carlson Field area.
00:24:10He was shot and killed there.
00:24:14I'm trying to remember his name.
00:24:16He's a Methodist engineer.
00:24:18Yes, his name is, he was identified as Jay.
00:24:22And he was, my bad, that's not the person.
00:24:26But he was shot, he was found in his vehicle, an Audi, in the Carlson Field area,
00:24:32yesterday afternoon around 5.45, I believe.
00:24:37And it's rather unfortunate.
00:24:39He's the 266th murder victim for the year.
00:24:43And, of course, the police are continuing their investigations.
00:24:48And, oh, his name is Radiel Passat.
00:24:50Forgive me, of course.
00:24:51And, you know, it's really sad that, you know, that, you know, a hardworking person like this gentleman,
00:24:59Mr. Passat, I don't know for what reason might have been shot and killed and left in the car there yesterday afternoon.
00:25:08Well, again, Mark, very unfortunate.
00:25:10You know, just listening to you read this, I see that this has affected you.
00:25:14And, you know, while we do not have a victimology to understand who the individual is, or was, I should say,
00:25:23I want to express first condolences to the family of this individual.
00:25:28This individual, Mark, you have, you know, indicated that he's an engineer by profession.
00:25:32Yeah.
00:25:32So, you know, at least from an academic context, we saw that there's, you know, he's someone who, you know,
00:25:38definitely would have been making a contribution, you know, to Trinidad and Tobago.
00:25:42What I said, we do not have the victimology, but a very unfortunate circumstance involving his demise.
00:25:47You know, and I am aware, you know, because there's moments ago, you know, I am aware that the Homicide Bureau of Investigations
00:25:54and other specialist units, you know, are directing a lot of efforts with reference to this matter.
00:25:59So if the family members are listening on beyond the tape, if you are not already engaged,
00:26:04the specialist units will be engaging you to assist, to ensure that there is a expeditious progress of this investigation,
00:26:12you know, with the hope and expectation, Mark, that there's a detection,
00:26:15and the persons who are responsible, you know, are brought to justice as soon as possible.
00:26:19But, again, very unfortunate situation.
00:26:21And, Mark, again, it's a perfect example that when you are speaking about crime and criminality,
00:26:27crime and criminality do not have a face, they do not have a profession.
00:26:31Crime and criminality is something that affects the society at large.
00:26:35We have just spoken about the school system, how police officers ended up in the school system, Mark,
00:26:40because of the period of reporting where, if not in the school, within the vicinity of the school.
00:26:46Bear in mind that those police officers are not only, in my respect for view,
00:26:51to deal with violence from a student's context or from a parent's student or that sort of thing.
00:26:57It's also in areas based on the risk and threat assessment where criminal gangs may be impacting the school
00:27:03or has the likelihood to impact the school.
00:27:05So, again, crime and criminality affects the society.
00:27:10So, a wake-up call again for all of us that no one is spared when we are speaking about crime and criminality.
00:27:17And I just had the opportunity, Mark, to refresh myself with a recent case law.
00:27:24And, you know, it was revealing to see where the judicial officers squarely place on the citizenry
00:27:32that they have an obligation, a duty to assist law enforcement where crime and criminality is concerned.
00:27:38And I just want to, you know, compound that this afternoon.
00:27:41But, again, unfortunate situation.
00:27:43And those who may have intelligence or information, please, you know, bring it to law enforcement.
00:27:50Use whatever avenue you may be comfortable,
00:27:52whether you're anonymous or whether you have trusted police officers
00:27:55or whether you want to call the Homicide Bureau directly and provide the information.
00:27:59All right. We're going to take a short break.
00:28:01And when we get back, we'll have more. Take your calls.
00:28:18Okay, I see you.
00:28:20Okay, let me see you, Cherry Hill.
00:28:22Uh, yeah, now take it back.
00:28:24Uh, let me see you.
00:28:25Rock off, rock off.
00:28:26Uh, shake off, shake off.
00:28:28Let me see you rock off, rock off.
00:28:29Let me see you kick right, now kick left, now step forward, now step back.
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00:29:01Good day, Trader and Tobago.
00:29:07A safer nation begins with you standing up, speaking out, and doing your part.
00:29:13As your commissioner of police, I am prepared to do my part.
00:29:17Are you prepared to do your part?
00:29:19Get on board.
00:29:20Are you on board?
00:29:21I am Bishop Ezekiel Clark, President of the Coover Police Station Community Council.
00:29:27And I am proud to say that I am on board with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service in their fight against crime in Trinidad and Tobago.
00:29:36I am Pannis Dean Galston, and I am Pannis Johan Chakry, and crime prevention is everybody's business.
00:29:46Hi, I am Sajina Kadeer, Attorney at Law and Team Lead for the Attorneys for the TTPS Community Justice Clinic.
00:29:53We support the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service in their fight against crime.
00:29:57Crime prevention is everybody's business.
00:29:59I am Shiraz Khan.
00:30:00I am a farmer.
00:30:02I support the TTPS in the fight against crime.
00:30:05My name is Maldok Maraj, President of the Shabwana's Chamber of Industrial and Commerce.
00:30:10Crime fighting is everybody's business.
00:30:12We are all in board.
00:30:30Welcome back to Beyond the Tape.
00:30:32I'm your host, Mark Bassand.
00:30:33It's Legally Speaking Wednesdays, and with us today is Acting Nisajan Zaheer Ali,
00:30:38Attorney at Law with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
00:30:41Okay, let's quickly go to our headlines.
00:30:43All right, we just want to apologize there.
00:31:06That was not the right headlines, but I think we're going to try to get those right now.
00:31:11Okay, we'll get back to that.
00:31:14All right, so it's Day 62 of the State of Emergency, but we'll go to those figures in a short bit,
00:31:23but we have a video to show you from the Arima area, caught in Malabar area here, outside a Chinese grocery.
00:31:31Let's take a look at this.
00:31:32So there's a lot of activity here, Sergeant Ali.
00:31:36There's a vehicle pulling in.
00:31:38There's a person leaving in another vehicle, getting ready to leave.
00:31:42And then a third vehicle pulls up outside the grocery.
00:31:49Somebody's standing here, and then there's some security.
00:31:52Wow.
00:31:54He is shot, or an armed assailant comes.
00:31:58That vehicle was waiting off camera, of course, and I think he was extremely lucky.
00:32:09I don't know if his vest would have saved him.
00:32:12When he shot, the first bullet hit the wall, but the security officer was backing away and of course fell.
00:32:20Luckily, with the first shot, I think the assailant realized that the security guard was armed, and of course they drove off.
00:32:31So it was intentional that they perhaps was targeting the security, or maybe by targeting the security,
00:32:37then it would give them easier access to get into the grocery.
00:32:40Well, you know, Mark, a lot of analysis can be drawn from this,
00:32:43and you are quite right in terms of how you are viewing this particular video.
00:32:48Now, you know, just for the purposes of the citizenry, and I know it may be subject to an inquiry
00:32:54because of what has unfolded, or what have unfolded, or has unfolded as the case may be,
00:33:00with reference to this video, but Mark is important, and for the security industry,
00:33:04I do not know whether in fact this officer is performing duty on his own.
00:33:09And if that's the case, you know, I will strongly recommend to the security industry,
00:33:13if they are listening, that if we can give serious consideration to ensure that there is no one officer,
00:33:19especially where we have an officer who is armed, one officer performing duty at an establishment.
00:33:26You know, I've grown up in an operational context as well where one is none and two is one.
00:33:30Yeah.
00:33:31You know, very, very important.
00:33:32So from our tactical operational context, you know, it's important to ensure that we pay attention.
00:33:37And this is also for law enforcement, in reference to a single officer.
00:33:42And I know that came up sometime on your program, with reference to the schools,
00:33:46where there was, you know, a different perspective.
00:33:49So I guess, again, I want to, you know, indicate clearly,
00:33:52in relation to one officer performing duty, it's something that we need to consider,
00:33:56especially the risk and threat is a situation where we have a volatile situation,
00:34:02crime and criminality, risk and threat is high.
00:34:04Secondly, if you notice, crime and criminality, when you speak about affecting public interest,
00:34:11you spoke about a grocery, you spoke about persons who may be traversing on their legal business,
00:34:17whether they be going to patronize the grocery, whether passing on the roadway.
00:34:20So we are clearly recognizing that even if the security guard was the subject of focus,
00:34:28what transpired is what a discharge or what appeared to be a discharge of the firearms in question
00:34:33and there are persons and vehicles in the immediate vicinity.
00:34:37So that creates the what?
00:34:38The level of risk that emerges from a breach of the criminal law.
00:34:44So, again, to Trinidad and Tobago, these things, do not just look at it and just turn a blind eye to it.
00:34:52Let us understand the significance of crime and criminality.
00:34:54And, again, if there are any persons out there who are aware of this situation
00:34:59and they have information of the persons in this video, please provide the necessary information.
00:35:05All right.
00:35:06And we are happy that the security guard was not hurt in that incident.
00:35:09Of course, I know that the police, if you have any information in regard to that incident,
00:35:14please contact the nearest police station 800-TIPS-999.
00:35:18We have our first call on the line.
00:35:20Caller, good evening and welcome to be on the tape.
00:35:24Hello, caller.
00:35:25Go ahead.
00:35:26You're live.
00:35:29Good evening, caller.
00:35:33I think we are having some issues today with the caller.
00:35:36I am not hearing.
00:35:40Let's try again.
00:35:42Good evening, caller.
00:35:43Welcome to be on the tape.
00:35:47Okay.
00:35:48So we seem to be having some issues there with the phone lines.
00:35:51Can we go to the...
00:35:53Oh, there he is.
00:35:54Caller, good evening.
00:35:54Hello?
00:35:59I heard him for a minute there.
00:36:01All right.
00:36:01Can we go to the headlights?
00:36:05All right.
00:36:06We're going to go to...
00:36:07It's day 62 of the state of emergency.
00:36:10And we just want to take a quick look at the figures, updated figures.
00:36:13Number of operations.
00:36:15Okay.
00:36:15Traffic offenses detected.
00:36:17All right.
00:36:17There we are.
00:36:18Number of operations.
00:36:19Forty-three hundred and forty-two.
00:36:21Target priority offenders.
00:36:22Sixteen hundred and fourteen.
00:36:24Searches conducted.
00:36:25Twenty-seven thousand nine hundred and sixty-eight.
00:36:27Traffic operations.
00:36:28Twenty-eight hundred and thirty-four.
00:36:30Total persons arrested.
00:36:32Two thousand and twelve.
00:36:34Traffic offenses detected.
00:36:35Fifteen thousand four hundred and sixty-five.
00:36:37Firearms recovered.
00:36:38Fifty-seven pistols.
00:36:39Thirty-one revolvers.
00:36:41Eighteen shotguns.
00:36:42Seventeen rifles.
00:36:44And three air rifles.
00:36:45Ammunition recovered thus far.
00:36:47Seven hundred and fifty-six rounds of...
00:36:49Okay.
00:36:49The total is fifteen hundred and fifty-seven rounds.
00:36:52There was no movement.
00:36:53Hence the reason why we just put a total at the bottom there.
00:36:57Dangerous drug seized.
00:36:58Two hundred and thirty-eight thousand.
00:37:00Six hundred and seventy-three point five-two grams of marijuana.
00:37:03Seven thousand and three hundred and forty-six point zero-eight grams of cocaine.
00:37:07One thousand and thirty-two STC pills.
00:37:09And fifteen grams of molly.
00:37:12Like always, Mark.
00:37:13Thank you very much for bringing these statistics to the city of Trinidad and Tobago.
00:37:17And, you know, I always attribute these statistics to the contributions by members of the public.
00:37:23You know, reaching out to law enforcement and providing the information.
00:37:25And to the law enforcement agencies.
00:37:27Again, you know, hats off to you in relation to your consistency.
00:37:32Your persistence.
00:37:33Ensure that, you know, we deal with crime and criminality.
00:37:36And in this case, ensuring that we seize the firearms.
00:37:39Both the rifles, the pistols, the ammunition, the dangerous drug.
00:37:43You know, one thing I will urge law enforcement agencies is to ensure.
00:37:47And, you know, I see that, you know, we still do not have the category of charges, Mark.
00:37:51But, you know, I urge law enforcement that persons who are responsible, whether actual possession or constructive possession,
00:37:58that we pursue these persons so that we get the full bite with reference to dealing with crime and criminality.
00:38:03Because on one hand, it's good with reference to the retrieval of the firearm and ammunition.
00:38:07But to be critical, it's important for us to continue to pursue those who are, again,
00:38:12who in actual, or importantly, constructive possession of those firearms,
00:38:16or those who may be aiding, abetting, procuring, or counseling these offenses.
00:38:20All right, let's take a quick look now at our headlines.
00:38:24All right, those are some of the headlines over the last 24 hours.
00:38:50We apologize for our technical, some minor technical issues, but we're going to take a break,
00:38:54and hopefully we'll take some of your calls when we get back.
00:38:56Struggling with diabetes, cholesterol, or PCOS?
00:39:12Berberine Plus by Aja Nutrition is here to support you with powerful, all-natural ingredients
00:39:18available now at Pennywise and leading pharmacies nationwide.
00:39:21We'll see you next time.
00:39:51We'll see you next time.
00:40:51$2,500 in fines and lose your license permanently no then don't drink and drive a message from the
00:41:02Trinidad and Tobago police service welcome back to Beyond the Tape I'm your host Mark Bussand
00:41:18it's legally speaking Wenzes and with us today's acting sergeant Sahir Ali attorney at law with
00:41:23the Trinidad and Tobago police service and yes we have our first caller on the line caller good
00:41:28evening and welcome to Beyond the Tape good afternoon good afternoon Mr Mark Massad and Sergeant Ali good
00:41:37evening to you sir afternoon sir I want to commend the TTIP for strides they have made within the last
00:41:45hundred days as the COP has said rapid response a lot of good thing but what we are seeing is the
00:41:53miscreants in the TTIP that Commissioner has said is not going to bury his head in the sand and attempt to
00:42:04weed them out I go to identify several issues that I am seeing herald officers within the ranks of the
00:42:15police sandigradi police station I'm going to where the vehicle the SU is taken to commit crime and some
00:42:26over the other somebody walked in and take out the camera that tells me the management of that issue
00:42:33needs to answer and all the people that were involved in that issue and I am sure police officers was
00:42:42involved in that the second issue is what I have seen in the newspaper and on another show where 20 kilograms
00:42:53or 20 packets of marijuana went missing from the property room so that in itself is where I believe
00:43:03there are comparable TPS officers cameras should have been there and all sort of several layers of
00:43:10security they're going to the property room now here is where I am seeing and I'm glad to see the
00:43:16commission of police basically located all the leadership of the police service because the first
00:43:24red flag was raised in sandigrande and here you have another red flag being raised with how the
00:43:31administration of the politician is being and I want to draw my memory two years two years are back
00:43:38somewhere in a in in in Sawa a galila rifle went missing and it was attached to that we have not
00:43:45seen anything like that and I want to be facetious now but don't take take it to be offensive the 20
00:43:54packs of marijuana I have basically said there's three possible options for that the scarcity people take it to
00:44:03be quick money if police officers have drug blocks then they go to use the day but more importantly I hope nobody's
00:44:12planning to put it in the residence of the prime minister we have to go back to 2015 the day of policing and
00:44:19every activity of police at that point in time I'm gonna have a nice evening all right thanks a lot Kola
00:44:26well thank you very much Kola um again some very very very serious issues um and you know going down
00:44:34the the the the the line of calling for full transparency and accountability um and and good governance you know
00:44:42from a ttps law enforcement context you know mark you know the caller having raised these issues you know
00:44:48I want to take the opportunity here especially with um the reports watch you say the report in reference to
00:44:55the alleged 20 kilos that went missing from the baratari police station which is on public record
00:45:00you know I want to indicate to members of the public that while the ttps is looking and you know from an
00:45:07investigative context from an internal context I want to say to the citizenry of Trinidad and Tobago
00:45:12that any person who have information or intelligence with reference to that allegation that we are speaking
00:45:18about we need that information ASAP this is not just a situation of the taking of the narcotics or the
00:45:27possession of the narcotics this is a situation where this narcotics is connected to a suspected crime so
00:45:35justice has been affected in this particular instance and hence why I'm calling to ensure that those who are
00:45:41privy and I'm going beyond law enforcement officials if in fact they're involved the citizenry who may
00:45:48be aware as to the circumstances or the location so that the police officers can take the necessary step
00:45:55to be able to retrieve the exhibits in this matter so again very very serious issues but again caller thank
00:46:02you for raising these issues and for recognizing the good challenge that we have again we have always said mark
00:46:08police officers like any other ministry or any other entity these persons are coming from our society
00:46:16these are the persons who are coming in to the organization and hence why it's important not only
00:46:22at the time of entry but there must be consistent monitoring and checking and evaluation of these
00:46:28persons at whatever rank that they may be sitting and I say that you know with the greatest of respect
00:46:34yeah equally important of course is the allegation uh he raised uh in the san gandhi district we're
00:46:39referencing uh and uh allegedly a police vehicle being allegedly using criminal activities yes and
00:46:44that camera that was uh was mounted in that in that vehicle was removed and certainly we will have to
00:46:50try to get some further information about that as time wears on all right we have another call on the
00:46:55line caller good evening and welcome to be on the chair yeah good afternoon good day sir for your panel
00:47:03good evening to you sir yeah some of my concerns uh the the police officers with regard to escorting
00:47:15certain activities on the road like uh for example equipment equipment and things like using the the the the
00:47:27assets of the police services now i am saying crime is one of the top thing in the country right now and
00:47:35why do we deploy these resources for those things um we see police carrying weddings we see them carrying
00:47:41the general and all these kind of things so why isn't that private institution taking up that flat
00:47:51all right so i think um you just said what i got is like you know why police officers are spending their
00:47:56time um i guess uh um you know acting as as um you know when you when they they're heavy machinery on the
00:48:05roadways and you tend to have uh escorts but i think that's important because of the security concerns of
00:48:11these huge um you know trucks on the roadways carrying pipes and so on so that at least uh police can
00:48:17ensure that they're given you know fair warning and they clearly we're going forward at least that's
00:48:23my perspective right and i think the other thing you talked about deals with uh escorts to funerals and
00:48:29so on well you know mark you know again i always respect the position and the opinions of members of the
00:48:35public and if this caller is advancing something for consideration with reference so whether in
00:48:40these circumstances the movement of heavy equipment whether a private entity can facilitate that process
00:48:46i think it wouldn't hurt to you know to do some research you know look at and review the policies
00:48:51or the law that governs that particular area so you know i welcome that critical thinking at the same time
00:48:57you know i want to appreciate and you were going down that road where the heavy machinery and being on the
00:49:03public road if we just look at the persons who are responsible for giving directions on the road
00:49:09is a police officer in uniform so again if we are saying and giving consideration respectfully to a
00:49:16private entity the question is would that come into conflict with the law in terms of when a direction
00:49:20have to be given to maybe direct traffic to ensure that there is a free flow with reference to the
00:49:24heavy equipment so it's an interesting point i've heard this consideration before this point before
00:49:31and nothing will hurt to look into it and see whether in fact it can be adjusted as it's done or
00:49:36whether there may be need for a consequential amendment to be able to bring private entities to be able to
00:49:41facilitate this process but that's the thinking that we require as a country to be able to develop our
00:49:46processes and look for mark effective deployment of our scarce resources yeah i think that i think that's
00:49:53where you alluded to that you know maybe the manpower can be spent in another area where it's
00:49:58needed more than the transportation of heavy equipment and so on yes all right we're going to take a
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00:50:50Thank you members of the media this concludes our weekly press briefing
00:50:55as the trinidad and tobago police service continues to protect and serve with pride we are calling on
00:51:02all citizens of trinidad and tobago to get on board with us to ensure that everyone is able to live in a crime
00:51:11free society are you on board this is my country and i am on board with the trinidad and tobago police
00:51:24service let us save the youth of the nation get on board crime affects all of us children communities
00:51:31and the country as a whole supporting crime victims and working with the police service i am on board this
00:51:39is my country and i'm on board my name is nicolai blackman and i'm on board with the ttps vision on
00:51:47mission is proud to partner with the ttps because crime prevention is everybody's business we are the
00:51:55national congress of incorporated spiritual baptist organizations of trinidad and tobago and we on
00:52:01board with the ttps in its fight against crime i'm a farmer this is my country and i'm on board
00:52:09i am charles jason gordon the roman catholic archbishop of port of spain i am on board
00:52:14in the ttps fight against crime we are all on board
00:52:18some of us like to test limits but there won't always be second chances obey the speed limits maybe you
00:52:35don't value your life but others value theirs
00:52:45a message from the ttps
00:52:51welcome back to be on the tape i'm your host mark besan joined today by acting sergeant zahir alia
00:53:05tenant law with the trinidad and tobago police service and we have a couple of announcements of
00:53:10course uh the children's authority needs your help in locating these two miners natalie richardson 17
00:53:17last scene in the lahokete area uh we are asking anyone with information regarding the whereabouts
00:53:23of natalie richardson to contact the authority at 996 or the police at 999 then jj alum 16 years last
00:53:35seen in the santa cruz area as well anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of jj alum
00:53:41uh we are asking you to contact 996 the children's authority or 999 the police please uh if you have
00:53:51any information about these children uh we would like to get them back uh safely to the homes or their
00:53:58parents as the case may be moving on of course we have a tongue meeting again trinidad and tobago police
00:54:04service southern division in barakpur police station it's thursday 18th september that's tomorrow at 6 pm
00:54:12at the barakpur community complex number 10 manohar maharaj trace new colonial road barakpur
00:54:19of course you have any concerns you have opinions how to make your community safer go out there these
00:54:27officers want to listen to you they're coming there to sit and engage with discussions about how they can
00:54:33make your community much safer all right we have another caller on the line caller good evening and
00:54:39welcome to be on the table good afternoon mark good afternoon good afternoon sir good afternoon to you
00:54:46sir my question is more or less a continuation of the previous question that was that what i would
00:54:53like to know is is it necessary for the vehicles the heavy vehicles to get there in a fast manner or a
00:55:01safe manner because i've been noticing that sometimes these escort vehicles that are escorting these
00:55:10vehicles are overtaking and and speeding and i more believe i could be wrong that it's supposed to be
00:55:18done in a safe manner not necessarily a fast manner thank you so that's a very valid point that you
00:55:26raise thanks a lot cola sorry about that yes all right um and i think it's very relevant mark very
00:55:31very relevant because you open the program by asking the citizenry to observe um the necessary care
00:55:37in relation to the nation's road so again caller thank you for reinforcing the need to ensure that
00:55:45these heavy equipment or any any equipment that is on the nation's road to ensure that those equipment are
00:55:52conveyed in a safe and it's required it's incumbent upon the officers who are responsible and the persons
00:56:01who are associated with that conveyance to ensure that they observe mark all the road regulations all
00:56:08and this what he spoke about speed and you know sometimes you know um we need to pay attention to
00:56:15understanding that particular roads may have a particular speed limit and when we have heavy
00:56:22equipment it will require you to even exercise more diligence so kola thank you very much for that
00:56:28mark just to go back quickly to the um notice for the barrack poor um tongue meeting i want to again
00:56:36urge the members of the public that this is your opportunity to engage your police station the divisional
00:56:41commanders to be able to ensure that there's effective community policing and community partnership
00:56:48for the development and the safe and secure community that you belong to and with reference
00:56:54to the children mark you have clearly established that the police and the children's authority as the legal
00:57:01guardian for these children have made it clear to Trinidad and Tobago that we are looking for these
00:57:06children those who are in the presence of these children or those who are holding these children
00:57:13against their will or with any deception or if there's any vulnerability with these children you are
00:57:20warned here this afternoon that children in these particular circumstances where a salient call has been
00:57:26made please observe the call the law is going to be applied or those who may have information please direct the
00:57:34police and central and the children's authority to the location where we could you know um get these
00:57:39children safely um back to their respective homes or authorized place um that they should be all right
00:57:47thanks a lot sergeant ali we have another call on the line caller good evening and welcome to be on the tape
00:57:52your life good evening gentlemen good evening sir i i find them rather ironic so so i decided to raise them
00:58:04for one thing in today's express someone complaining about mobs again this time in the santa cruz area
00:58:13and i'm properly i'm raising this for those in charge who would be looking at this program as i told you
00:58:20before you before you don't have to respond to this right but you can if you wish it but i want to
00:58:24i want to raise two ironic situations with this same noise imagine a resident
00:58:33and they have a neighbor who is a police officer at a superior station and this time
00:58:43a lot of a friend of his are noise makers and i would say something that i was so surprised and this
00:58:51this police officer in his yard took out the neighbor and he was in the yard in front of
00:58:57everybody who who did this is the kind of thing that civilians are putting up with service and i want
00:59:03those in charge to understand that they cannot be dragging their feet and i'll give you another
00:59:08example for example a resident in in in in shawana noise contaminator calling with no reaction but then
00:59:17some days after from the department from from the last station cid comes to them and tell them that they
00:59:25have a report that they threw a molotov cocktail in the yard of the same offense and testing to arrest them
00:59:33in this sort of way then you you did nothing and reported in noise from the residents and then you're coming
00:59:41out in a in a hostile way to the person who was reporting in noise as if they didn't know in your opinion
00:59:49they don't know when they don't knew nothing about the molotov cocktail that is true
00:59:56caller caller i want to just can't continue to leave a imbalance imbalance
01:00:02and then calling the homeland security minister and i'm calling him because he's aware of the
01:00:09whole situation i even wrote him a letter i'm calling on the attorney general i'm calling on the
01:00:15police commissioner why are you all dragging your feet in this situation it is a serious issue
01:00:22it needs to be addressed and it needs to be addressed now today is wednesday the back close
01:00:27to my home has karaoke on a wednesday and then after the noise goes right through until the morning
01:00:33and i'm already nervous because i know this is what i'm going to put up with tonight
01:00:37why are we going through this problem with no change i let you know okay gentlemen thanks
01:00:46that caller of course you're going to leave your number so that uh acting sergeant ali will get in
01:00:50contact with you uh some pretty serious allegations uh caller if you uh did not leave your number can
01:00:57you please call back and leave your number with the producer so that uh acting sergeant ali can get in
01:01:02contact with you perhaps over the next 24 to 48 hours please if you listening again please call back and
01:01:09leave your number with our producer so that uh we can get in contact with you and of course uh the good
01:01:17sergeant ali well thanks mark um thanks for the guidance to the caller caller you know i've heard
01:01:22you time and time again you know advocating for the peace and order in trinidad and tobigo and um
01:01:29you know i always give the assurance mark as a matter of fact you know you know it's you know
01:01:36some message deja vu just about two hours ago i had a discussion at a very high office with reference
01:01:41to the same issue of noise pollution and dealing with noise pollution and i'm aware that the state
01:01:47the government would have given an undertaking to look at this area of noise pollution in a very
01:01:51serious way so again i want to give the undertaking and perhaps i may have to engage the commissioner
01:01:56police and the executive to take a deliberate step to start engaging the citizenry of trinidad and
01:02:03tobago to really get that single voice to be able to engage the legislators to be able to move
01:02:09this process and in mark last but not least you know i will also give the undertaking that i'll
01:02:14speak with the community justice clinic there's a group of attorneys who deal with civil issues
01:02:19yes they deal with family matters land matters i'm going to now ask them respectfully to start
01:02:25looking at the issue of private nuisance so that while we may have a public nuisance unfolding
01:02:30which may give rise to acts of criminality there may also be an issue where there is an issue of
01:02:35private nuisance so that these persons are properly advised as to other avenues that they
01:02:39may have to be able to deal with issue and finally the environmental management authority again i'll
01:02:45see the commissioner's intervention to see whether in fact we can now reactivate the discussions with
01:02:50the eme to join in this particular response to noise and noise pollution but let us keep let us keep
01:02:57advocating and change will come a response will come yes and you know certainly some serious
01:03:03allegations he raised there in reference to the behavior of of police officers in the separator area as well
01:03:08as in the uh central area and uh we hope for that of course they will have you know we will have some
01:03:15uh some kind of a clarity uh because certainly it's uh it's an ongoing situation this noise pollution
01:03:22well what will happen mark the reason why i didn't go directly to those allegations involving those police
01:03:28officers part of the response in me gauging the commissioner police and the executive is to ensure that all
01:03:35divisional commanders which will call for an awareness and the inspectors in station to ensure that these
01:03:41their subordinates understand the call where noise pollution is concerned what should be the response
01:03:49so that person will be more or more responsible and more um sensitive to these issues and we have
01:03:55spoken about this time and time again mark about the about the ills of this matter all right remember we're
01:04:01running tonight at 11 30 i repeat tomorrow at 11 o'clock the tv6 news is up next and we are back here at six
01:04:07tomorrow see you then
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