Criminologist, Dr Randy Seepersad, says a State of Emergency should not be viewed as a crime-fighting strategy on its own, but a temporary measure that creates stability while longer-term solutions are developed.
Speaking with 103.1FM News this morning, he explained that T&T’s violent crime problem developed over decades and cannot be reversed quickly,
The current SoE is due to expire on June 17th and Dr Seepersad believes any extension may be justified on its efficacy as a crime deterrent.
He said authorities should use the period to strengthen investigations, improve conviction rates and expand intervention programmes aimed at addressing the root causes of crime.
Dr Seepersad also addressed concerns about gaps within the justice system, particularly the ability to successfully prosecute and convict offenders detained during the SoE.
He emphasized that stronger measures are needed to prevent repeat offenders from returning to criminal activity.
Dr Seepersad said there is a need to identify and fix weaknesses in both the policing and justice systems, to ensure lasting improvements in public safety.
These efforts, he added, include crime suppression, detection, apprehension, stronger evidence gathering and case-building and court convictions.
Dr Seepersad is a Senior Criminology Lecturer at The UWI St Augustine campus.
