TTUTA: Police In Schools Must Be Temporary
President of the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA), Martin Lum Kin, says support will be given to any initiative that « brings a level of normalcy to schools that are threatened by violence and indiscipline. »
Responding to the announcement by Minister of Education, Dr. Michael Dowlath, that police officers will be posted to 50 priority secondary schools in Trinidad and Tobago, and that dedicated patrols will occur at 10 primary and 10 secondary schools for consistent coverage and rapid response, Mr. Lum Kin says armed officers will not be supported.
« The perception as well as the risk associated with armed persons on our nation’s schools is not needed at this time. TTUTA submits that the placement of law enforcement officers should be a short-term and temporary measure as the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and other organisations look at addressing crime and criminality which affects our communities and our schools. »
Minister of Homeland Security, Roger Alexander, in response to media questions on the issue on Thursday, assured that police officers stationed at schools will use non-lethal methods to defuse situations. He said the move is in full accordance with the law.
