Head of the TTPS Social Welfare Association, ASP Gideon Dickson is of the view that today’s budget presentation by Finance Minister, Colm Imbert, should focus on the needs of national security, much more thann in previous years.
He said he understood the constraints that the State may be placed in, however, he noted that the country was currently going through a ‘crime pandemic’.
“It’s unfortunate to hear such statements (The PM’s statement to ‘hold the fort’ in the face of economic constraints) at this time. However, we recommend significant considerations be given to the police to ensure our citizens’ fundamental rights of safety and security are not compromised and our quality of life not be impacted negatively. You must acknowledge that police cannot be viewed nor treated as the general public service, especially when we are experiencing a crime pandemic and there’s increasing demand on our officers almost daily,” Dickson said.
He recommended that the State increase the number of police officers by 1,000 members before the end of this calendar year – and suggested that this could be done by the absorption of Special Reserve Police officers into the TTPS.
He also urged that the TTPS continue to be outfitted with the necessary equipment and technology to combat crime, “with sufficiency and sustainability” including bulletproof vests, and body-worn cameras.
Dickson also called on the Government to ensure that all outstanding backpay and increments are paid to officers within short order.
He suggested that, within the fiscal year, job evaluation exercises ought to be performed and the recommendations implemented in the TTPS.
Dickson reiterated that the recruitment criteria and process for appointing persons to the offices of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners of Police needed to be re-evaluated.
Additionally, he said that there ought to be further regulations for SRPs, as well as amendments for regulations for promotions of officers in the second division.