Police association wants Sturge to ‘rethink’

The Police Social and Welfare Association is calling on the Defence Minister to ‘revisit” his comments regarding the proposed stand-your-ground law.

The association says it views his statements as“dangerous and irresponsible.”

In a release issued yesterday, the association, led by Acting ASP Gideon Dickson, said that to date, no consultation has been held with the association on the proposed policy.

On Tuesday night, while at a public consultation in Sangre Grande, Sturge advised constituents and citizens to “strike first and kill first” when attacked in their homes in self-defence.

But the association said it was deeply concerned by Sturge’s comments regarding criminals dressed as police officers attempting to invade someone’s home. The minister had said that whether a homeowner is sure or unsure of the person’s authenticity, it is better to “defend and live than to hesitate and die.”

The association said, “This statement has the potential to arm the criminally intended and their associates with a ready made defence or to attack bona fide law enforcement officers when executing their lawful duties, for example search, maintenance and first instance warrants, etc.”

The Police Association also took issue with Sturge’s comments regarding the use of illegal guns during home invasions.

It said, “This statement in relation to illegal firearms being used to defend oneself is again viewed as irresponsible and compromises law enforcement efforts to rid the streets of such dangerous and illegal weapons.”

The association has called on Sturge to think about what he said.

“Consequently, we call on the Defence Minister to immediately revisit these statements, engage in consultation with the association. These statements will affect the lives and livelihood of police officers who have sworn to protect and serve.”