Only nine officers did not report for duty in T&T Police Service’s Southern Division yesterday, despite a threat from all the major arms of national security that there would be a day of rest and reflection. Snr Supt Irwin Hackshaw said his charges did not respond to the call as they saw the greater purpose in keeping citizens safe. “Absenteeism has not impacted our division. In fact, manpower was better than days before. Our division was well staffed and up to the task today.
“Southern Division officers are committed so although we had no more than nine people not coming out to work today, that was excellent. “We support the cause the officers are fighting for in getting an increase, but they are committed to doing their jobs because we have a division to run and service to provide to the people,” Hackshaw said. During the change of shift at the San Fernando divisional headquarters, officers were seen leaving and reporting for duty and at least five vehicles left the station between 7.30 am and 9.30 am.
In Central Division, Supt Johnny Abraham said only four people were absent and that was less than the daily absenteeism rate in the division. Abraham said patrols were running as usual and crime remained down in his division. South Western Division also reported low absenteeism. Assistant Chief Fire Officer in charge of South, Cecil Davis said although some workers were absent, there was enough manpower to respond to any emergency. He said 20 fire-fighters and 13 fire-officer reported for duty yesterday.
“Presently, we have some members reported to be on sick leave and we have some absent with no official word. However, we have sufficient people to man all the appliances. “We have people on specialist sections and non-specialist sections so we don’t really have any disadvantages. All appliances are manned so we can respond to all emergencies,” Davis said.