By Sue-Ann Wayow
BY June this year, Commissioner of Police Erla Christopher is promising that citizens should see a reduction in violent crime as police implement certain strategies.
Christopher appearing for the first time before the National Security Joint Select Committee (JSC) on Monday as Commissioner, was warmly welcomed by chairman and MP for Port of Spain South Keith Scotland.
He asked her about a term she previously used “the storm before the calm” as it related to murders.
She said, “I would have used the term, ‘the storm before the calm because we are implementing new strategies to deal with the whole violent crime in the country and as the strategies take effect, we will see a reduction…We anticipate that our strategies will be fruitful.”
Christopher was further asked about a timeline for the strategies to start bearing fruit by member Jayanti Lutchmedial who added that at the present rate, if continued, Trinidad and Tobago could have 1000 murders by the end of 2023.
More than 100 murders have been reported in the first 57 days of 2023.
“We will expect to see a change in the murder rate, short term by June and long term by December,” the Commissioner replied.
Christopher said currently, crime detection rate was at under 13 %.
“It is my intention and with that of my executive to focus more on the forensics, the use of DNA technology ballistics,” she added.
Christopher also said there were approximately 1000 frontline police officers.
Some 1,100 body-worn cameras were distributed across ten policing divisions to be used by frontline officers in active duty.
She admitted that it was not sufficient and said within the next three months, some 400 body cameras would be procured.
Christopher also apologised for her not attending a previous meeting.
When asked by Scotland how she felt about being the first female Police Commissioner, Christopher said she felt honoured, humbled and very grateful and thanked both the Opposition and Government for selecting her for the position.
She also said, “I want to assure the national public that it is my intention to bring about meaningful change.”
