Caption: UNC political leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar supports the Star Team for internal elections. Photo: Facebook
OPPOSITION Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar tells police officers to “attack with full force” if criminals point guns at them.
Speaking at the launch of the Star Slate for the June 15 UNC internal elections at the Couva Multi Purpose Hall, the political leader of the party said, “If criminals point a gun at you, shoot at you or attack you, return fire with full force, defend yourselves, do not be hesitant. Being hesitant can cost you your life”
Persad-Bissessar told officers to stand their ground against violent criminals but to use their discretion.
She said, “If you point a gun at or attack a police officer to endanger his or her life, the police have a right to defend themselves with lethal force”.
Persad-Bissessar said there were hundreds of murders and no eye witnesses come forward.
She added, “As soon as there is a police involved shooting, everyone is a witness against the police. I am warning this country, that we cannot tie our police officers’ hands when they respond in pursuit of violent criminals. Officers only have a split second to respond to attacks, we cannot have our officers doubting our support, this can cost them their lives.”
Persad-Bissessar said, “Under my next government, I will ensure personal FULs and personal legal firearms for each one of you paid for by the State. You will be protected.”
She said she will ensure that police and prison officer get personal firearms so that can protect themselves when they leave work to return home.
Stating that she supports Stand Your Ground Laws, Persad-Bissessar said the United Patriots slate under Rushton Paray does not.
She said, “I support Home Invasion laws. The PNM and the other slate do not support Home Invasion laws but the Star Team does. I support easy access to legal firearms for law abiding citizens. The PNM and the other slate do not support access to legal firearms for law abiding citizens but the Star Team does.
“I call on you to support the Star Team who want to give you the legal firearms and the lawful rights to defend yourself and your family in your homes.
“The Star Team supports State-provided legal personal firearms for all police and prison officers. Officers must have legal firearms to protect themselves when they are off duty. We can’t have officers walking out the police station unprotected after work.”
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