A task force is being set up by the TTPS to tackle extortion in this country.
The announcement was made during a press conference on Friday by Police Commissioner, Erla Harewood-Christopher, who said the team will be led by Snr Supt Richard Smith.
Christopher acknowledged the challenges and fears that businesses face when it comes to reporting extortion incidents.
She said: “In terms of extortion we have identified a strategic deliberate, dedicated team under the supervision of Mr Richard Smith to control events of extortion and I want to today speak to the business community we know there is a challenge and there is a fear in reporting but know that if you call Mr Smith you will have that direct communication and confidentiality in your reports.”
Christopher said the newly established team will be operating under Mr Smith’s supervision, with assigned personnel in each division to ensure a coordinated approach across the country.
The top cop also gave her assurance during the briefing that her officers will also be “stepping up” their operations with specific focus on gang eradication exercises.
She explained that while officers are doing their best, criminals are adapting and adjusting their operations to suit as well. She assured however that the TTPS will continue to update and review its strategies as time unfolds with specific focus on homicides, home invasions and extortion.
The commissioner said based on investigations, it was discovered that 55 per cent of the murders that have occured to date was either gang or drug related.
She said: “We have developed a multi-agency approach to address gang activities and the increase in homicides. We have identified suspects and we are focused on using all available means to get justice and to bring them before the Court.”
Focus is also being placed on the retrieval of (illegal) firearms with the assistance of the Customs and Excise Division and the Port Authority officials.
On the issue of home invasions, Harewood Christopher said focus is being placed on educating the population on ‘target hardening’ as well as increasing their use of technology, including the ‘Eagle Eye Project.’