Task Force to handle security at courtsBy ANDRE BAGOO Thursday, November 5 2009
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Senior Supt Franklyn Edwards...
A POLICE task force has been set up to patrol all courts throughout the country in order to ensure the safety of prisoners and persons going into, and coming out from court.
The Ministry of National Security yesterday revealed that the security company charged with transporting prisoners to and from court has been paid $98.4 million over the last eight years.
Police sources yesterday confirmed, that in addition, the Court and Process Task Force (CPTF) was set up this week, in the wake of the shooting death of murder accused Peter Garcia who was killed by two men dressed in construction worker gear in the yard of the Rio Claro Magistrates’ Court on October 19 last. At the time, Garcia was handcuffed and being escorted out of court by an unarmed policeman.
Four armed members of the CPTF began patrols yesterday around the Port-of-Spain Magistrates’ Courts where scores of accused persons appeared on various charges, some in police custody, others on bail, for offences ranging from murder to firearms possession.
One high-profile case yesterday was that involving Brent “Small Brent” Danglade, whose perjury charge is still pending in the Seventh Court. Danglade, a key witness in the 2006 conspiracy to murder trial, was charged with perjury following the collapse of the case after several witnesses changed their stories in the matter.
Members on patrol yesterday at the Port-of-Spain Magistrates’ Court, were armed with semi-automatic weapons including AK-47s and pistols.
Head of the Court and Process branch, Snr Supt Franklyn Edwards would not elaborate on any details of the new unit, but he confirmed its existence to members of the press yesterday when he visited the Port-of-Spain Magistrates’ Court on St Vincent Street.
It is understood that the new unit will conduct surveillance around both the Magistrates’ Court and the High Court on Knox Street. Court and protocol officer for the High Court, Jones P Madeira, was not available to take questions yesterday.
Police sources said the new unit would be part of an initiative which focusses on courts throughout the entire country. It is understood the task force was established on Monday.
Last month, in response to a Freedom of Information Act application by Devant Maharaj, the Ministry of National Security said a total of $98.4 million has been paid to Amalgamated Security Limited for its services for the years 2002 to 2009.
