(Trinidad Guardian) Thirty-two police recruits attached to the Police Academy in St James have tested positive Covid-19.
According to police officials, one of the recruits tested positive on August 25th, and another three days later.
As a precaution, another 42 who were in direct contact with the two recruits, were immediately separated and sent to the University of the West Indies, St Augustine, and away from the other 143 recruits at the Academy.
Tests were conducted on the 42 recruits, with 32 returning positive and the other ten, negative. As a result, the 32 who tested positive have been removed to another part of the UWI campus, while the other ten remain in quarantine.
The remaining 143 recruits who are in training, as well as the instructors and other persons at the Academy, will also be tested. As a result, the proposed graduation on September 16th, and passing out of this batch of recruits seven days later, have been postponed indefinitely.
The TTPS, like many other front-line agencies, has been affected by the Covid-19 virus. Several police stations, including the Police Administration Building, had to be closed on several occasions to be sanitized after police officers contracted the virus.
Several sections, branches, and units, were closed as the virus continue to affect police officers and civilian staff. As a result, the TTPS has had to stop certain services, such as Certificate of Character and Firearms applications.
All necessary protocols are in place for the safety of these officers.
Despite the threat of Covid, police officers continue to carry out all duties, including road exercises and raids.
