(Trinidad Express) Corrupt and rogue elements in the law enforcement services have been “renting” or selling firearms to criminals, National Security Minister John Sandy said yesterday.
Speaking in the House of Representatives during the Firearms Amendment bill, Sandy said rental prices were based on the size of the anticipated earnings from the crime that the borrower intends to commit.
“For example, because the payoff is larger, renting guns for robberies at secured targets or for kidnappings costs more than guns used for simple robberies, for example, robberies at homes or convenience stores,” Sandy said.
He added: “I am adamant that we need to get these corrupt officers out of our service. Once they are caught and convicted, there ought to be no question as to how high a standard of accountability with which they should be held.”
He said this was especially so since when these guns are rented there is the real possibility that they would be used against members of the protective services, “some of their own friends may be at the other end of that weapon”.
Accordingly, the bill imposes a prison sentence of 20 years on any member of the protective services who commits the offence of selling or transferring a firearm or ammunition to another person, he said.
Sandy noted that former ACP Cecil Carrington succumbed to gunshot wounds on Thursday. He extended condolences to his wife and family on behalf of the ministry, the Government and the people of this country.
He said last year, 335 people were murdered with the use of firearms, among them an eight-year-old, Quantia Hyndman, who was shot while sitting at his computer; and acting Superintendent Joel Nedd, an officer with more than 40 years’ service who was shot during a carjacking outside his home.
Noting that the unnecessary carnage also took place on our streets, Sandy said Cabinet yesterday approved the installation of surveillance bays along the highways, starting with the Uriah Butler Highway.
This will allow the police to monitor speeding on the roads and monitor crime and respond to all-points bulletins in a more effective manner, he said.
He said legislation debarring any vehicles, other than police and fire vehicles, from using these surveillance bays will be brought.
“They would be equipped with CCTV cameras to ensure that in the wee hours of the morning those who are engaged in using our highways as car racing strips are prevented from doing so and ensuring that if they do so, they do so at their own peril,” Sandy said.
