Copyright newsday
MINISTER of Homeland Security Roger Alexander chided Port of Spain MP Keith Scotland for seemingly exposing details of six spy drones being acquired by the police service, as the minister endured hours of grilling by opposition MPs over national budget allocations to the police service ($2.61 billion) and Minister of Homeland Security ($1.9 billion). A mix of rancour, humour and exasperation marked the sitting of the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives on October 22. When Alexander guardedly spoke of the purchase of "technical items" for the police service, Scotland pointedly asked what criteria would guide the purchase of drones. Alexander interjected, "You are giving away national security information." Scotland retorted that the information was already laid out in a budget document, even citing the page number. "This is already in the public domain." He read, "Upgrade of the Air Support/Drone Unit: Technology continues to play a transformative role in modern policing worldwide. "In alignment with this global shift and to strengthen its technological capabilities, the TTPS will be provided with the sum of $2 million for the acquisition of six industrial/commercial-grade mapping drones for its Air Support Unit. "These advanced aerial systems will significantly enhance the TTPS’ ability to: conduct high-resolution mapping and surveillance; gather real-time intelligence in complex environments; support tactical operations and crime-scene analysis; and improve situational awareness and response co-ordination." Alexander said the purchase is being done after an assessment by the police service. Scotland wanted to know the locations where the drones would operate and where the police would source drone operators. Alexander said the police service has personnel who were well-trained in various skills. The minister also expressed his concerns for national security earlier when Diego Martin North East MP Colm Imbert asked him if any safe houses run by the police service existed in Tobago, to which Alexander had replied no. The sitting saw the opposition try to pry details of several new units being set up to curb crime, with Alexander often looking torn between accountability and confidentiality, especially under the police service's developmental programme. Port of Spain North/St Ann's West MP Stuart Young asked about a $2.5 million allocation for the establishment of a Special Anti Crime Operation Unit, for which documents showed $425,000 spent last year. He asked if it would be similar to a past unit known as SAUTT or SORT. Alexander replied no. "It is operative, covert. We don't want to discuss too much." Young then asked about a $1.295 allocation for the establishment of Special Operations Counter Home Invasion and Business Invasion Task Force, for which $225,000 was spent last year. Pressed by Arouca/Lopinot MP Marvin Gonzales, Alexander said the unit would be based on the National Operations Task Force. "We will sit on its back and expand it." Gonzales asked how many officers the unit would employ. Alexander replied, "Certain things we could discuss and certain things not." Gonzales pressed for public accountability. Alexander replied, "I can't discuss that." Gonzales made further inquiries but after Alexander's rebuff he sat back in his chair muttering aloud, "Mr Chairman, I give up." At that, Scotland took up the mantle to ask about drones. Scotland also pressed on the Special Anti Crime Operation Unit. Alexander conceded it would be rolled out "this fiscal year" and employ police officers from a variety of areas, and maybe civilians. Alexander also told Scotland the Home Invasion Unit was currently being put together. Under the Ministry of Homeland Security allocation, Scotland asked about a $50 million allocation for extraordinary expenditure. Alexander revealed that the prison service has special units doing covert operations. He promised to supply further details in writing to Scotland. Young asked about the Strategic Services Agency (SSA) which had been allocated $270 million. Alexander in reply explained that oversight of the SSA has been split between two ministries under the new government. He said the Office of the Attorney General now has administrative oversight on the SSA, while the Ministry of Homeland Security has operational oversight. Young asked about a $1.5 million allocation for rehabilitation of hot point bunkers. Alexander replied, "National security interest, please!" A quick Google search hinted that these might be hardened underground shelters to protect military command and control from attack.
