Homeland Security Minister Flags Administrative Failures In Police Procurement Systems
Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander is calling out years of fine print negligence that has crippled police resources.
Speaking on Talk City 91.1 FM on Monday, the Minister shared that administrative failures of the past are hindering today’s fight against crime.
Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander is sounding the alarm on what he describes as years of administrative negligence within the police service, pointing to past contracts and fine print oversights.
« The police service has been left with a debt that they cannot recover from for the next 13 years because persons were signing things and not paying attention to what they were signing so when the little fine print came up, there are things that we are being told are rotting on the shelf. How can you benefit from such a thing? »
Speaking on a crime plan and measures, Minister Alexander noted that he believes harsh measures are necessary to neutralise criminal elements and protect the public.
« Sometimes, these measures are not always through the court of law. Yes. However, sometimes you need to not take the bull by the horn anymore, but remove the horn from the bull, so he’ll no longer be harmful to anybody. And when he starts to kick, then you remove his feet. You see? And then, eventually, we can have beef, so let’s sit and eat. You see? And I know sometimes the shadow understands what I just said, but that’s all right. Sometimes, we need to take harsh measures. »
The Minister maintains that the State cannot do this alone, calling for a whole-of-government and whole-of-citizenry approach.
« This is not a policing thing; it is a whole-of-government approach, and all of Government includes the citizenry of Trinidad and Tobago. People do think that there’s separation.
All of Government approach, all of Trinidad and Tobago approach, all citizens to get on board. It is a civil right to do that, you know. It is not taking away anything from you. You need to get on board, so if you know something, talk to us. And if you don’t want to go to the police, as I said on Friday, I will set up a line where persons could communicate with me and let’s get some things done. »
This proactive strategy extends into the nation’s schools. By partnering with the TTPS and specialised units, he shared that the Ministry’s plans have been working to steer youth away from crime.
« Listen, a big team we put together, inclusive of the TTPS because they have the anti-bullying exercise, and we want them on board with that. So everybody, when we enter your school, it’s like an invasion of knowledge. Thank you, thank you, thank you. And that is where we stand. So if people have a problem with the Minister doing that, hey, it’s okay. If you save two lives, you save plenty. »
Minister Alexander noted that this is a multifaceted strategy that pairs with community-level intervention, a move which is necessary to address crime in the country.
