Acting Police Commissioner Verne Garde says the Force is looking to ramp up its traffic department by increasing the number of staff members. This comes as the country recorded over 1000 road collisions for the year 2024, with many of them being fatal. Garde, who made his comments during a media engagement on Monday, says increasing the capacity of the Unit is crucial at this time.
“By the 17th of December, we will put human resources into the traffic department, where we will allow another 45 persons coming out of the training to be placed in the traffic unit. On top of that, we will train 45 riders, outriders, on the motorcycles,” he disclosed.
The Acting Police Commissioner adds that the Force will employ a further 22 recruits to assist the Traffic Department. Under his stewardship, Garde notes, the Force will take a proactive approach to tackling all kinds of crime and offences in the country. “And on top of that, we will hire another 22 special police constables. And again, we will augment them at the traffic unit. Because we will take a proactive approach to deal with crime and road safety,” he adds.
Garde says the Traffic Unit will be renamed to the Traffic Department, signifying bolstered efforts at bringing traffic offences under control. The Police Commissioner issues a bold warning to criminal elements, stating that the Police will be on their tracks.
“I want to say to the general public, as I have the opportunity with the media, that 2025 is a different year for crime and road safety. And persons who are in conflict with the law – you have to watch out. 2025 is a different year for road safety and crime management,” he said.
