File – Police officers inside the prison. Photo: TTPS
By Alicia Chamely
A “mismanaged operation” is what the Prison Officers’ Association (POA) is calling the decision to relocate high-risk detainees to the army base in Tetron and Staubles Bay, Chaguaramas.
The POA is further criticising what they call a “gross disrespect” towards prison officers in the ongoing State of Emergency (SOE).
In a release on Tuesday, POA president Gerard Gordon lashed out at the poor coordination and preparation, lack of communication, and disrespectful treatment of prisons officers in operations related to the SOE.
Gordon said the POA was led to believe once prisoners were transferred to Chaguaramas they would become the obligation of the regiment and the police.
However, he said, the same officers that had been branded “corrupt”, had found themselves carrying the responsibility without having accommodations made for them or any clear operational procedures communicated to them.
Gordon said, “This lack of coordination not only jeopardises operational efficiency but also erodes confidence in the system.”
Regarding basic accommodations for prisons officers, the POA said officers had not been given any sleeping or toilet facilities and have been expected to work extended hours in a high-stress environment.
Gordon said, “No provisions have been made to accommodate our officers, and no clear operational procedures have been communicated to ensure order and safety.”
Speaking on a morning television programme, Gordon expanded saying he was contacted by one of his officers who said they were sleeping in an ambulance as no proper facilities had been made available to the officers on duty.
He said in the POA’s release this treatment, “undermines the tireless work of the men and women of the Prison Service, who continue to put their lives on the line to uphold law and order.”
Gordon called for greater coordination and communication amongst stakeholders.
He said, “We continue to call for respect, communication, and genuine collaboration among all stakeholders as we work to maintain the safety and security of our nation during these trying times.”
The SOE was put into effect on July 18, after a late night meeting of the National Security Council.
Commissioner of Police Alister Guevarro said in a press conference he had recommended the SOE after receiving a report that an organised crime syndicate working from within the prisons had been planning attacks on senior police officers and high-ranking members of the justice system.
Alleged members of this syndicate were transferred to the army base in Tetron and Staubles Bay, Chaguaramas.
