DESPITE being the primary body responsible for solving crime in Trinidad and Tobago, the Police Service has not followed the move by the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force to suspend all sporting activities as a result of the escalation in murders to start 2014.
On January 10, Major Al Alexander, Civil Military Affairs Officer, announced the cessation of Defence Force’s sporting activities, effectively pulling them out of the Digicel Pro League, UWI T20 Tournament, All Sectors Netball league, bmobile National Super League and Mackeson Super10 Basketball League.
Police, however, remain competing in the various leagues throughout the country despite rumours that a similar withdrawal of teams is imminent.
Peter Hood, coach of Police’s Pro League team, recently explained that his team is continuing to operate like normal even with the cloud of uncertainty hovering over them.
“There has been no word from the (Acting) Commissioner (Stephen Williams) but the rumour is that Police will have to pull out but I hope not,” he said.
Asked whether the halting of sporting activities by Defence Force forces their hand to do similarly, Hood said, “I don’t know (maybe) it puts pressure on the administrators but I don’t see how that will assist in (fighting) crime. We play our sport and do our job at the same time,” he added.
Hood noted that his players are all committed to their jobs while also maintaining a passion for the sport they love.
“It’s difficult but this is what we do. We train in the morning...it’s difficult but manageable,” he continued.
He explained that players don’t necessarily get time off for playing games as football is considered a tour of duty just as policing is a tour of duty.
The Police coach was adamant though that allowing the athletes in the service the opportunity to compete in the various leagues is a good thing.
“I think it’s very important. There are a lot of Special Reserve Police that were brought in due to their prowess in the game. It’s because they have ability, that’s why they are there,” he continued,
Commenting on Police’s season, Hood expressed great pride with his players where they are currently fourth in the standings and contending for a spot in the CFU Club Championship. Police are on 13 points from nine games, trailing second placed North East Stars by a point.
“The team has been playing some good football. If you look at the games we lost, the scores have been generally really close. We are competing and improving. We feel a measure of pride and want to do well,” he declared.
Meanwhile, a police officer who wished to remain anonymous concurred with Hood, stating that pulling out the various services involved in national security will do nothing to curb the crime rate.
“You have to understand the situation in the country right now. Pulling out the Defence Force does not help. Sport keeps the players’ minds occupied as they are accustomed doing something that keeps them motivated.
“By pulling them out, their minds may not be in the right place and they can become lackadaisical,” the source opined.