Moonilal: Check the quality of bulletproof police vests

News

5 hours ago

Dr Roodal Moonilal, Member of Parliament for OROPOUCHE East, has questioned the quality of bulletproof vests used by police officers after a Guard and Emergency Branch (GEB) officer was shot in the chest while on patrol in East Port of Spain on July 22.

Officer Shakala Charles was a passenger in a police cruiser that responded to reports of a shooting on St. Paul’s Street. Gunmen opened fire, hitting him, with one bullet piercing his vest.

In a statement on July 23, Moonilal called on National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds and the police to report whether officers are now issued with inferior and out-of-date bulletproof vests.

Hinds and Police Chief Erla Harewood-Christopher are expected to respond to the shooting, the statement said.

According to Moonilal, some tactical unit officers have indicated that their vests have expired, while others choose to purchase vests privately for public duties.

“This is a critical life-or-death issue that Mr Hinds must respond to with urgency and clarity, and ensure that officers are equipped with modern, effective and high-quality vests.”

He said some vests were also knife-proof and/or tested for ammunition of various calibers, so different police units should have the required vests.

He said bulletproof vests have a lifespan of about five years.

“Given the scale of crime and the powerful weapons in the hands of criminals, all police officers should be equipped with bulletproof vests that are fit for purpose.

“I also call on the CoP to indicate whether officers have used vests that are out of date and are considered expired or defective?”

Moonilal said this was a classic example of the gross mismanagement of the campaign against crime. He said: “Mr Hinds brags shamelessly about his achievements in office, while citizens are still being murdered, attacked and robbed.”

According to Moonilal, the alleged incompetence of Hinds and Harewood-Christopher makes the state civilly liable for its duty to provide police officers with the appropriate equipment, such as bulletproof vests.

“The traffic jams caused by police last week failed to stop the murders, home invasions, extortions, assaults and other brutal crimes.

He said TT’s land borders remain porous and open to illegal arms and drug shipments.

“A dramatic improvement in law enforcement should begin with a public explanation of the value of the bulletproof vests worn by police officers.”