New police unit to monitor gangs

Public information officer of the Police Service, Sgt Wayne Mystar, says a new police unit will gather intelligence on gang-related activity. He was speaking at yesterday’s daily news briefing at the Police Administration Building, Port-of-Spain. “There is a team being put together and they will gather intelligence. There is a support team of officers and there will be a combination of activities,” he said.

Speaking about the spate of recent homicides, Mystar added: “We have seen an upsurge based on information from CAPA (Crime and Problem Analysis Unit of the Police Service). We have seen some surge in criminal activity and a migration from one area to another.”

Meanwhile, Mystar said PC Rampersad remained warded at the hospital after the police vehicle he was driving collided with a car along the Priority Bus Route last Saturday. Two people were killed in the accident. Abel Wilson, 61, of La Resource Road, Arima, and Sherry Britto, 48, of Unity Lane, Arima, were travelling south along Olton Trace when they collided with the police vehicle.

“He underwent emergency surgery and is still hospitalised. If officers are liable they will face the full brunt of the law. Supervisors and managers speak to them on a daily basis about security and protection,” Mystar said. He said all vehicles must adhere to the regulations on the road. “All are governed by the Traffic Act and (it) must be adhered to. Where there are no lights at intersections emergency vehicles must exercise caution,” he added.