National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds has stood by remarks that he is not responsible for drafting anti-crime plans and maintained such strategies fell squarely under the remit of the police.
Hinds defended his position during a media briefing at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, on Friday in which he said his involvement in the drafting and execution of anti-crime policies would be inappropriate as it could qualify as political interference.
On Thursday, Hinds when responding to questions over crime-fighting strategies, said it was the responsibility of the police to formulate those plans.
This drew criticism from the public and former Police Commissioner Gary Griffith who accused Hinds of failing to demonstrate proper leadership.
During the press conference, Hinds said, as an official with a clear political affiliation, he should not be put in charge of this part of any aspect of policing.
“I know some members of the national community are asking me quite ignorantly about a crime plan and I had to point out, as gently as I may, that ministers do not get involved in operational matters of the police service or any other agency for that matter.
“To create a plan for the police service to deal with crime would be more than getting involved in operational issues which the minister does not.
“It is the police service that generates a crime plan and a strategy, both of which they have.
“If you left crime plans to me as a politician, PNM and partisan as I am, you run the risk of me politicising crime which is precisely what this society does not want.”
Hinds added that while he did not develop crime plans, he was constantly appraised of any strategies as he had a responsibility to assess the performance of key stakeholders such as the police.
In February, Police Commissioner Erla Christopher appeared before a Parliamentary Joint Select Committee and said she anticipated a fall in the murder rate by June.
When asked his thoughts on this prediction, Hinds said he felt that Christopher expressed confidence adding that she would know which strategies were being introduced to achieve that goal.
“What I can tell you from where I am, is I am satisfied that the entire police service, supported by the defence force, is highly and keenly mobilised in the work that is required based on the Commissioner’s vision and expectation. So all I do, as minister, is support it emotionally.
“I provide encouragement, provide resources which is why we are here today.”
Contacted for comment, former national security minister retired Brigadier General Carl Alfonso said he agreed with Hinds’ position, noting that the leaders of various arms of the protective services were competent enough to devise their own strategies.
“The Minister of National Security ought not be involved in the operations of the police.
“To do that, would make these agencies reek of political intereference and that is not what anyone wants.
