PCA alarmed at uptick in reports of ‘fake police’

Police say the investigation into the kidnapping for ransom of businessman Suvesh Ramnarine, by men dressed in police uniform, is now at a sensitive stage.

Up to last evening, Ramnarine remained in the hands of kidnappers.

The update came as the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) said it was concerned by the number of crimes being committed by suspects dressed in police wear.

Last Saturday, the 33-year-old businessman was abducted from Rob’s Bar in Cunupia by five men dressed in police tactical wear. A $3 million ransom has been demanded for his safe return.

Relatives of Ramnarine, the owner of Costura, a business in Warrenville which sells commercial restaurant and supermarket equipment, refused to comment when contacted.

At Emmanuel Trace, opposite Rob’s Bar yesterday, residents said they were afraid as they could no longer tell the difference between police and thieves.

“I don’t feel safe at all because when people approach you can’t tell who is who,” one woman said.

Another resident said he too was concerned by the use of police clothes by criminals.

This incident came days after two police officers were charged in connection with the kidnapping and murder of businessman Sachel Kungebeharry.

At Rob’s bar, a worker said they were told not to speak to the media. The worker closed the doors after he noticed Guardian Media taking photographs and reopened after the crew left.

During a media briefing last Friday, ACP Curt Simon said the time has come for police to review their position on changing the uniform. He at the time was responding to a report where articles of clothing were seized in Morvant earlier that week.

When contacted yesterday, the president of the Police Service Social and Welfare Association, acting ASP Gideon Dickson, said he wished not to comment on police uniforms being used by criminals.

Meanwhile, the PCA said it is concerned by the rise in reports of criminals dressed as police officers.

“The PCA is concerned at the uptick in reports of ‘fake police’ attacking citizens. The PCA is very concerned at the number of incidents where persons pretending to be police officers have been carrying out criminal acts on the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago,” it said in a statement.

PCA director David West said they received several complaints from victims, adding that last year the PCA advised the police on how to use their uniforms. The PCA said it has also advised Police Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher on ways to combat police uniforms being abused by criminals.

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