TTPS Reinforces Zero-Tolerance Stance On School Violence
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is standing firm on its zero-tolerance policy towards school violence following two separate incidents at secondary schools.
During the TTPS’s media briefing on Thursday, officers reinforced their commitment to safer schools through the School-Oriented Policing Programme.
Ninety-five specially trained Special Reserve Police officers are now deployed across the country, with officers stationed at 50 secondary schools and roving units assigned to 10 additional secondary schools and 10 primary schools. Despite these measures, officers were recently called out to deal with two separate incidents.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, Junior Benjamin, said that at Arima North Secondary, police intervened in a case of student misbehaviour. On Wednesday, there was a clash involving a female teacher and a student, which was caught on camera by classmates and quickly circulated on social media. Officers engaged with both staff and students on Thursday.
« They were able to speak to the students and to share with them that there is a zero tolerance that will be taken even as we go forward within the school year in terms of any breach of discipline and any situation where the police will be called in to deal with fights. »
He said the school shouldn’t be branded by this incident.
« I can tell you when we look at the record of the school, we have been ably, at least, informed that in the past we had students, at least six students from the previous year, that were able to start off having been involved in situations of this nature and still came out of that school with full passes. »
Over at El Dorado East Secondary, investigations are ongoing into a matter involving a parent who allegedly slapped a student outside the compound.
« We are saying, based on the facts before us, the situation is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service. The investigation will continue, and I want to tell you that we will ensure that we leave absolutely no stone unturned as we seek to ensure a level of order, a level of safety and security in our school environment, both inside the school and outside the school, so that our children could feel safe. »
The TTPS stressed that while discipline will be enforced with zero tolerance for violence, school officers are also there to mentor, guide, and support students.
