Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander has defended the Government’s decision to extend the second State of Emergency (SoE) for another three months, citing thousands of police operations, arrests and criminal charges as evidence the SoE measures have helped law enforcement disrupt criminal activity and make significant progress in the fight against crime.
During his contribution to the debate on the extension of the SoE in Parliament on Wednesday, Alexander argued that the use of Preventative Detention Orders (PDOs) are crucial to stopping criminal activity before it even occurs.
A PDO is not a criminal charge, but rather a legal order used to prevent conduct deemed a threat to public safety. It does not mean a person has committed a crime. Instead, it is granted when sufficient evidence is presented to justify the person’s detention in order to prevent anticipated harmful or dangerous actions.
Commenting on police activity during the SoE, Alexander said, “7,174 police-led operations. 3,211 persons arrested. 698 persons charged. Number of PDOs approved 465. And at this time, 184 firearms removed off the nation’s streets.”
As such, he said he believes the results so far justify the continuation of the SoE.
Alexander said the decision to declare the SoE was based on intelligence provided by the T&T Police Service (TTPS), the Defence Force (TTDF), the National Operations Centre, as well as local and foreign intelligence agencies.
He argued that the SoE remains necessary as authorities continue efforts to contain gang activity, illegal firearms and other serious crimes.
The SoE extension was later passed with a margin of 28 votes for and 12 votes against from the PNM MPs. It will now expire on September 17.
