Retired police officer Johnny Abraham said many police officers were outgunned by the criminals and living in fear.
Speaking at the UNC’s Anti-Crime Town Hall meeting at Naparima College in San Fernando last night, Abraham again launched a stinging attack on the way TTPS was being managed.
He said: “These criminals, when they go to a crime scene, they shoot out 70 to 80 rounds to scare the officers and they have nothing to protect themselves and their families.”
Abraham said he stood in support of the Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s proposal for change to provide weapons for police officers.
He said, “I am in full agreement with that proposal and I can say that over 3,000 to 4,000 police officers say they cannot wait until you are the next prime minister.”
Abraham encouraged police division heads to take command of their divisions and closely monitor criminal activities through wireless services. He also said police officers needed motivation.
He contended that there should be a renewed focus on officer protection, leadership and motivation to address crime in T&T.