By ALEXANDER BRUZUAL Thursday, October 15 2009

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INVESTIGATING: Policemen listen as Anthony Ribiero (right) owner of Anton's Gold Rush in Excellent City Centre, Port-of-Spain related how an armed ban...

ACTING Commissioner of Police James Philbert yesterday confirmed that an investigation is underway into the strip-search of students of the St Joseph College by policemen.

Speaking in an impromptu “conference” after reporters cornered him as he walked along St Vincent Street in Port-of-Spain, Philbert discussed a range of topics.

When asked about his thoughts on the strip-searching of the students, Philbert indicated it was crucial that he first look at the methods used by the officers to perform the exercise. He said contrary to explanations being presented to the public, the search was not against any judges rules, adding “that was something else all entirely”.

“If you (the public) said you lost something, and you said you have the players involved, the question is then how would the police go about their duty to satisfy both you, the (virtual) complainant and whomsoever parents who would be involved? It is the method of the investigation which is paramount here,” Philbert explained.

He also said recent demands by San Juan businessmen to be provided firearms for protection had also left him concerned. He explained one of the reasons why this request was troubling, was because of the recent increase of reports of licenced firearms being stolen from their registered users.

“There are methods and procedures one must go through to get firearms and once these are all satisfied, then it will be issued. However we should perhaps be more stringent with these procedures, to make sure they are only given to the appropriate person,” Philbert said.

He said these proposed procedures would affect everyone, including police officers who made applications for the use of firearms. He implied this was all part of the service’s duty to keep weapons out of the street.

Philbert also commented on the situation in the Chaguanas police station regarding the escaped prisoners. He said investigations were still ongoing and based on its outcome, necessary actions would be taken, including suspension of officers.

In the interim however, he said the facility was also being closely studied to ensure officers would work in harmony with the facilities available at the precinct.