Police Motorcyclists Raise Safety Concerns Over Uniforms

Police officers attached to the Traffic and Highway Patrol Branch of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service have raised safety concerns over their deteriorating uniforms. Officers from multiple divisions have requested replacement gear since before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their current uniforms offer little to no protection in case of accidents due to deteriorated padding in their helmets, jackets and pants. The Eastern Division officer’s uniform is reportedly so washed out that he is barely identifiable as a police officer. Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Social and Welfare Association (TTPSSWA) president, ASP Ishmael Pitt and Assistant Commissioner of Police for Specialised Support, Brian Soodeen, have both been made aware of the issue. Brian Soodeen confirmed efforts to amend the Police Service Regulations to formally define the approved uniform for police motorcyclists, which requires parliamentary intervention. Officers who feel unsafe are encouraged to raise their concerns with their senior officers and alternative duties may be assigned while the matter is resolved.

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