IN order to fight crime effectively the executive of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and the Police Social and Welfare Association should see that it is important to work together.

This is according to the public information officer of the Police Service ASP Joanne Archie who said both the Commissioner of Police, Dwayne Gibbs and the association have similar goals and objectives and "it is imperative that they both work together to fight crime in Trinidad and Tobago".

She made the comment while addressing issues raised by the association concerning the 21st Century Policing Initiative.

"Since the implementation of the 21st Century Policing Initiative there has been a notable reduction in serious crimes within the division (that uses the plan) by 31 per cent over the past three months. Most notably, data taken from the Crime and Problem Analysis department has shown a 47 per cent decrease in murders, a 43 per cent decrease in larceny dwelling house and a 40 per cent decrease in larceny motor-vehicles for this period" Archie said.

She added that this proves that the new initiative is working within the divisions and citizens "are reaping the rewards".

"Despite successes thus far, there have been challenges but efforts are being made to ensure that they are properly addressed. A survey is presently being conducted to measure the impact of the initiative on the public" Archie added.

Asked why the 21st century plan was not affecting the murder rate Archie said: "What I can tell you is crime generally is not a static thing, it is dynamic. There are several reasons for murders and there are different kinds, there are crimes of passion, domestic violence and gang violence. It is certainly a concern for us and yes there are issues within the 21st Century Policing Initiative but we review from time to time. We have to keep reviewing our strategies."

Archie dismissed claims by the association that it has been going to the Commissioner with their suggestion in the past and nothing has come of it. She added that there have been monthly meetings scheduled with the police executive and various stakeholders within the police service including the association, however, members of the association were inconsistent in their attendance.

She also rebutted claims that there were approximately 500 constables waiting to be promoted since over the past year more officers have been promoted than have been throughout the history of the organisation adding that there were promotion ceremonies held on June 1 and 17, respectively.