PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):
PRIME MINISTER Patrick Manning has announced plans to bring in British police officers to patrol the streets of Trinidad and Tobago and to assist in curbing the escalating local crime situation here.
Manning made the announcement in the House of Represen-tatives as he wound up debate on the controversial Police Reform Bills.
From next month, some 39 British 'bobbies' (as they are called in England) will be working in Trinidad and Tobago as full police officers.
They will carry firearms and have full powers to investigate crimes and make arrests.
They will work within the Special Anti-Crime Unit of Trinidad and Tobago (SAUTT) - an elite squad within the T&T Police Service.
Manning said: "We are now making final arrangements to receive in Trinidad and Tobago, towards the end of the month of April 39 officers from Scotland Yard."
He said the British police officers would be operating in this country for two to three years.
