NEW COMMISSIONER OF POLICE'S FIRST THREE MONTHS IN OFFICE

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SUBJECT: NEW COMMISSIONER OF POLICE'S FIRST THREE MONTHS IN OFFICE

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1. (SBU) Summary: Although 2008 murders in Trinidad & Tobago will
easily surpass last year's record of almost 400, newly appointed
Acting Commissioner of Police James Philbert has brought some
cautious optimism to the struggle to instill a sense of societal
security. Early in his tenure, this cautious optimism uptick is
related more to Philbert's rhetoric, style and organizational
efforts than any noticeable statistical change. Whether this
perceived shift is a chimera or represents the beginning of the end
of the years-long crime surge is unclear, and others in the GOTT
(especially National Security Minister Joseph) will play a strong
role in how this all plays out. The "smart" money remains on
Philbert not being able to change the culture of the police or make
a lasting dent in crime, but that there is at least a debate over if
this is possible highlights that some hope still exists. End
Summary.


2. (SBU) Since taking office July 5, following Parliament's
rejection of Stephen Williams for police chief, Acting Commissioner
James Philbert has enjoyed more positive press than someone in his
position might expect. This stems from his "can-do" style,
willingness to be seen on the ground at crime scenes, openness to
publicly berating and exhorting his officers to take action, and
positive comparisons with his lackluster predecessor. The press and
public also seem to agree that since Philbert became commissioner,
police are more visible on the streets. He has done this by
limiting vacations and ordering plain clothes officers to wear
uniforms. Media-savvy, Philbert also has touted other results, such
as a quarter-over-quarter deceleration in the rate of murders and an
increase in seized firearms and ammunition.


3. (SBU) In addition, Philbert held an early September retreat with
senior level officers to underline his "greater presence" discipline
and consider course changes in attacking crime. Besides a focus on
greater visibility, Philbert also is cognizant of the need for more
formal and informal community interaction. During last week's mass
gathering of ruling party faithful to show support for Prime
Minister Manning during a Parliamentary no-confidence debate, RSO
spotted Philbert in uniform personally taking part in the crowd
control effort.


4. (SBU) Philbert, who hopes to remain in place for several years
as Parliament reconsiders how to choose a police chief (there is
widespread dissatisfaction in the current quasi-independent
procedure) has cooperated with USG law enforcement agencies in the
past and attended training at the FBI academy. A lawyer by
education, he has spent most of his career as a Detective in the
Criminal Intelligence Unit and other special units in the TTPS,
including head of the Homicide Bureau.


5. (SBU) Comment: Philbert has a long way to go in raising crime
detection rates, stopping the murder spiral, fully professionalizing
the police services and bringing a sense of security to T&T. His
initial actions appear to be in the right direction, and he seems to
be working well with other key anti-crime players like National
Security Minister Joseph, but it will be "wait and see" to determine
if his policies -- and those of the GOTT -- reap any lasting
rewards. The "smart money" doubts lasting progress, but Philbert's
first days in office suggest that other outcomes cannot be
completely discounted.

AUSTIN