The president of the TT Police Service Social and Welfare Association (TTPSWA), ASP Gideon Dickson, has expressed concern over recent comments made by the Prime Minister about police turning off lights and closing the doors to stations as a sign of being afraid of criminals.

He said some stations with glass frontage were a security risk to officers as people could see inside when the lights were on at night.

On January 13, Dr Rowley spoke in Parliament during a motion for the extension of the state of emergency (SoE) that was declared on December 30.

He said from what he was told, in some districts, police have resorted to closing the doors and turning off the lights at their stations out of fear of criminals. He claimed officers stay inside, hoping the criminals do not come at them.

Dickson, however, found Rowley's comments "startling, to say the least" and strongly disagreed with the characterisation.

[caption id="attachment_1132823" align="alignnone" width="1024"] The entrance to the Arima Police Station is primarly surrounded by glass. The police union says this poses a security risk at night.[/caption]

Speaking to Newsday by phone on January 14, Dickson clarified that the practice of turning off lights and closing doors at some police stations has nothing to do with fear of criminals.

"We do not have that information. The lights being off and doors closed have nothing to do with the criminal elements. The lights are taken off because it is a security measure we adopt as an organisation," Dickson said.

He explained that many police stations are in buildings surrounded by glass (some with tints), which helps with the humidity and temperature during the day, especially when the sun is out.

However, this creates safety concerns at night because those outside have an advantage when it comes to seeing inside.

He insisted that the lights were turned off at night, not due to fear, but to avoid providing visibility for potential threats outside the building.

"In the night, that tint obscures the person's inside vision. The people outside would have the upper hand in terms of seeing inside, especially if there is light inside," Dickson said.

He further explained that the decision to keep the doors closed was due to the need for air conditioning.

He said this is a "common practice" and not an indication of officers' fear of criminal activity.

Dickson added, "If those doors are opened, some might accuse the police of abusing the facilities provided to them. Leaving doors open can cause a strain on the air-conditioning units."

Saying that the service is understaffed, Dickson added that the officers are working hard despite the challenges.

"The public could do the assessment. There are 12 murders, and we are on 16 days of the SoE and 14 days of the year. This time, a year ago, two years ago, the numbers were higher. So things are happening," he said.

"But we need to get our resources, our manpower up. We are nearing 1,500 officers short. I think the prime minister and the ministry (nation