By Sue-Ann Wayow
SEVERAL initiatives are being planned by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) in collaboration with other agencies to divert youths from a life of crime.
The TTPS in a press release on Thursday said that the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) Hearts and Minds initiative, more than 100 active Police Youth Clubs, a mediation programme to address conflict management within communities, partnering with various NGOs, including Vision on Mission, and the soon to be launched Project Grace were just some of the policing programmes that targeted towards young people by providing positive alternatives to a life of crime.
Acting Commissioner of Police Mc Donald Jacob identified these initiatives when he met with board members of the Emancipation Support Committee and Director of the Black Agenda Project and Eastern Caribbean Representative of the Nation of Islam Dr David Muhammad on Monday at the Police Administration Building in Port-of-Spain.
The Acting Commissioner gave the assurance that no groups are “hunted” by the TTPS.
He said that the TTPS was addressing the issues of gang violence by protecting the young and vulnerable from falling in the hands or clutches of gang leaders, through a series of social and community initiatives.
Jacob said the various initiatives aimed at young people were all part of the tools used to alleviate crime and the fear of crime, and that positive collaboration with like-minded stakeholders can change the trajectory of young lives and deter youths from gang activities.
Dr Muhammad described his experiences of listening to young men and hearing of their plight. He identified areas where more can be done including relationship building which can result in significant changes. Khafra Kambon and Dr Asha Kambon from the Emancipation Support committee joined the meeting virtually.
Khafra Kambon identified some of the initiatives which the committee was involved in. Dr Asha Kambon identified where police officers could benefit in areas of training such as cultural sensitivity, community outreach programmes and community education.
Jacob and the attendees expressed gratitude for the information shared and the partnership formed in the interest of safety and security, the TTPS stated.
Also in attendance were Assistant Commissioner of Police, Criminal Division, Sharon Cooper, Superintendent Karen Lancaster Ellis, Executive Management Secretariat, Ag Senior Superintendent Oswain Subero of the IATF and National Operations Task Force (NOTF), Sergeant Garth Jones IATF (Hearts and Minds Project) and Joanne Archie, Head Corporate Communications Unit.
