AFC to aide police in ‘mapping’ crime -Trotman

The Alliance For Change (AFC) says it will soon unveil a “Crime Map”—examining sources and trends in crime and likely strikes—which it will make available to the police.

“The AFC is angry at the continuing ineptness of this administration in dealing with the crime and security situation and more so, that the Minister of Home Affairs, now being advised by presidential hopeful, Donald Ramotar, continues to fail, and that lives and property continue to be lost because he is simply not competent to preside over this very important sector,” AFC leader Raphael Trotman said at the party’s weekly press briefing on Wednesday.

Reading from a prepared statement, he said that in the very near future, the AFC will unveil the “Crime Map”. This will seek to plot for the benefit of the public, the crimes being committed nationally, Trotman said. “Analysis will then be done to examine trends, sources, and likely strikes. We will make it available to the police force and trust that they will see the wisdom of establishing partnerships and accepting the public’s assistance, and will not be instructed not to accept our input and advice,” he added.

Raphael Trotman

He had earlier said that the AFC was reliably informed that Ramotar, who was recently appointed a political advisor to President Bharrat Jagdeo, has been given direct responsibility for advising on the strategy for public safety and security, and has begun attending sensitive meetings at which intelligence and other briefings are given.

Trotman noted that crime levels have recently spiked. “It is obvious to all, except Rohee and Ramotar, that criminals have lost respect for them, their methods and their government, and now continue their rampage with impunity,” he said.

According to Trotman, in the area of crime and security the worst damage has been done and the worst performances have been put in by this administration.

“Crime will only be tackled when this administration and Mr Ramotar see the wisdom of not passing laws and building structures and employing hundreds to spy on the opposition, but on the thieves and the murderers and the rapists,” he said.

He noted that the AFC’s ‘Action Plan’ sets out a menu of measures that will be introduced and these include the creation of a new Ministry of Justice and National Security; better training and remuneration for members of the security services; the re-orientation of the police force from being a place where policemen and women come to work to “hustle” to a place where they report for duty to serve; and strengthening of the Divisional Commands to make them less dependent on a Central Command and Control system.