Security Officers Make A Plea For More Resources

The Estate Police Association believes security officers should now be allowed to use automatic weapons when they have to do cash-in-transit (CIT) operations. Speaking at a Media Conference on Tuesday, President of the Association, Deryck Richardson, said this is necessary has he made reference to the murder of security guard Hasely Augustine. Mr. Augustine and three colleagues were depositing cash at an RBC ATM at DS Plaza at Chin Chin Road in Cunupia on August 17th when five gunmen, some with high-powered weapons, ambushed them. Augustine struggled with one of the men, who shot him. The men escaped. Mr. Richardson also added that there is a need for adequate resources and training for Security Officers and Estate Police officers. He said in many instances security officers are given bulletproof vests to perform their duties which are more than five years old. He said after that period the effectiveness of the vests decrease.