PORT-OF-SPAIN (Trinidad Express):
CITIZENS affected by escalating crime are being given another opportunity to help fight this scourge through community-based action.
Trinidad's National Security Minister Martin Joseph, on Wednesday launched a Dial 555 project aimed at involving law-abiding citizens in the battle against criminals.
"Every citizen of Trinidad and Tobago has a responsibility to help in the fight against crime, and this can be done through the fullest cooperation with our law enforcement and protective services," Joseph said.
The 555 anti-crime initiative was launched at the Old Fire Service Building at the corner of Hart and Abercromby streets, Port-of-Spain.
The initiative is similar to Crime Stoppers, except that 'Dial 555' does not offer monetary rewards.
INFORMATION HOTLINE
"Every citizen who loves this country and wants to play an active part in helping to reduce crime can feel free to call with information on criminal activity," Joseph said.
The minister said that the information hotline will not replace Crime Stoppers and hopes that this new initiative will "see improved coordination and more effective deployment of the various units of the security forces".
The three-digit number is toll-free and can be accessed from anywhere, using any kind of telephone.
Like Crime Stoppers, calls are anonymous and Joseph said the information will be received by a "specially vetted and trained team of law enforcement officers, who will process it for action by the appropriate agency."
Joseph said that violent crime and anti-social behaviour were major obstacles and a fundamental threat to the well-being of the citizenry.
CRIME-FIGHTING STRATEGIES
"It is becoming increasingly clear that the success of any national initiative must begin at the community level ... The success of our crime-fighting strategies, therefore, depends on the enthusiastic cooperation of the public," he said.
The Security Minister said the role of the public and information from citizens have led to the recovery of 124 illegal guns and over 1,300 rounds of ammunition over the last four months.
Joseph said similar programmes in the United Kingdom had shown success in reducing levels of crime.
"Always remember that your call as a citizen can make all the difference between success and failure in the fight against crime, he added."
