New Maloney Police Station opens

Government is strengthening national security in an effort “to win back communities.” This, from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar as she opened the new Maloney Police Station on Thursday afternoon.

Speaking at the ceremony, she said her Government has taken steps to improve the Police Service by building new Police Stations, purchasing vehicles and installing equipment, including GPS and CCTV cameras, even working to bring an end to the current salary negotiations for police officers.

“We hope to conclude those salary negotiations very, very soon. Today, I am very proud to say that every single police vehicle in this country has installed in it a GPS device.”

The Prime Minister noted that serious crime is down and this is due to efforts to better equip and enhance the TTPS.

She said what is most important is to “win back communities” and foster a harmonious relationship between police officers and citizens.

“That is a very important facet in the fight against crime. Our police officers must be seen as symbols of discipline, of law, of order, but more important or equally important, they must be seen as partners of the community.”

National Security Minister, Retired Brigadier Carl Alfonso, said over the past two years, the Government has intensified its efforts in modernising the Police Service.

“The objective is to create an organisation that is more efficient, more equipped with better technological sophistication, international standard training as well as a higher level of professionalism. The Ministry of National Security is working persistently at reducing the crime rate in the country to ensure a safer Trinidad and Tobago.”

Meanwhile, UDeCOTT Line Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal said the facility has been built to withstand the elements, has access for the differently-abled and includes a high tech Armoury, private Statement Rooms, Fingerprinting Rooms, Victim Recovery Rooms, a Traffic Office, a Library with multimedia facilities and internet access, as well as a Dormitory, Gym, kitchen and Community Room for meetings with members of the community.

“There are three cells and two juvenile holding rooms to ensure that young offenders are kept separate from the adult suspects. Cells and processing areas for offenders are accessed via separate secured vehicle areas and standard ports. These new Police Stations are equipped with ID Parade, with one-way vision glass and soundproof with intercoms for communicating with persons on parade. There are separate entry and exit points to holding rooms for persons entering the ID Parade to facilitate isolation and protection of witnesses. Viewing Rooms also enable confidentiality when interviews are being conducted in Statement Rooms.”

Officers previously operated out of a Sub-Station which was a converted house.

Written by C News