Minister of National Security, Edmund Dillon said the time has come for citizens, government and law enforcement to put their differences aside and unite in the war against crime.
He made the statement during the launch of the National Crime Prevention Programme (NCPP) at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre, Port of Spain, on Wednesday.
“The National Crime Prevention Programme is not a reactive measure, but one intended to limit future instance of crime and criminality,” Dillon said, adding that it is part of Vision 2030.
He said the NCPP reflects the dawn of a new era and will consists of an inter ministerial committee and other officers of the programme to carry out its mandate.
Dillon stated that the Government is seeking to operationalize DNA detection and testing on crime scenes, as such, officers are being trained and legislation prepared. Additionally, Electronics Monitoring Devices (bracelets) are set to come on stream as an invitation to tender is already out.
Local Government and Rural Development Minister, Kazim Hosein, said the NCPP is a collaborative effort with all arms of government. “We will work for the community, in the community and with the community. ”
He said NCPP will utilise municipal police and will make increased visibility a priority.
Communications Minister Stuart Young, who brought remarks on behalf of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, said while every patriot is affected by crime, the Government does not bury its head in the sand.
In addressing members of the protective services, Young said: “Much is expected of you, but you also have the support of the Government and civic minded Trinidad and Tobago.
“We are counting on the judiciary to play their role effectively in the fight against crime,” Young said.