OROPOUCHE East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal is urging police officers to verify the identities of fellow lawmen to ensure their legitimacy.
This call comes in response to the murder toll surpassing 500 this year and reports of crimes committed by individuals in police uniforms.
Dr Moonilal stated, “Today we have bandits dressed like police and police dressed like bandits.”
He said there was the need for the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) to conduct an immediate audit of all unmarked, heavily tinted vehicles equipped with flashing blue lights and sirens.
He said, “Police must now stop police on the roadways to verify and confirm their legal status and movements. Police must stop giving out nuisance tickets and instead focus on cross-checking their bona fides.”
Dr Moonilal described the over 500 murders as a grim milestone coinciding with the passage of the national Budget, which he claims lacks critical analysis and effective strategies to tackle the escalating crime crisis.
He said, “This is further evidence of the uselessness of the Government’s stock and ineffective response to the appalling and ever-worsening security crisis.
“The United National Congress extends heartfelt sympathies to families and friends of crime victims, even as we advise citizens to take the utmost security and safety precautions in light of the government’s dismal failure.”
Dr Moonilal also questioned the status of previously announced anti-crime measures, including a $100 million initiative to deploy Defence Force retirees in high-crime areas. He accused the national security minister of failing to execute these plans and criticised the prime minister for prioritising international trips and excessive spending over the security crisis.
“We ask whatever became of the endless stream of announced measures, including a $100 million plan to place Defence Force retirees in criminal hot-spots.
“Through the national Budget and other announcements, the government has declared several anti-crime plans and programmes, all of which have collapsed in the hands of the failed National Security Minister.”
He continued, “As the Prime Minister prepares for another foreign jaunt and to spree on the OPM’s $50 million entertainment allowance, it is clear that he is still not focused on this national disaster.”
Dr Moonilal said that only the UNC possesses the political will, competence, and commitment to effectively address the deteriorating national security situation.
He said, “The Prime Minister and his Government have blood on their hands as the country faces another undesirable homicide milestone.”
