Port of Spain Mayor Louis Lee Sing is calling for municipal police in the P.O.S area to be better armed in order to combat criminals. He stated "You need the kind of weaponry that will put the fear of God in their hearts". CEO of the City Corporation Winifred David expressed that the City Police was under the control of a mere civilian, and therefore could not be granted the same firepower as the regular police officers.
The Mayor explained there are places within the City where workers who do restoration and remedial work are being met with some negative elements in society, but believe if the City Police are well armed it will deter the harassment of the workers. He went on to give examples of specific situations; and felt the handguns and shotguns are limiting their capabilities of the crime fighting initiative.
In order to upgrade the weaponry, it requires the Commissioner of Police to approve the upgrade of the request. A request was made several years ago and no reason was given for ignoring it. The matter is being looked into.
