The Top Cop has ordered that tactical police gear be restricted to specific units, in an effort to make it harder for criminal elements to impersonate officers.

The mandate comes less than a week after businessman Suvesh Ramnarine was kidnapped in the Cunupia area by men posing as police.

All officers, with the exception of those in four specialized units, must turn in their tactical gear by Wednesday. 

The four units authorized to wear tactical gear are: 

1) The Guard and Emergency Branch

2)Inter-Agency Task Force, 

3)National Operation Task Force

4)Multi Operational Police Section

Meanwhile, Deputy Police Commissioner Junior Benjamin has instructed citizens that should anyone approach them claiming to be police while wearing tactical gear, they should immediately alert authorities.

Declaring that “drastic times call for drastic measures,” DCP Benjamin said bonafide cops must also display their badge while on duty. 

Businesses facing “protection tax” imposition by criminal elements

Police are investigating several reports of business owners being bullied into paying thousands of dollars as a “protection” tax to criminal elements posing as police.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Richard Smith says at this time, there’s no evidence suggesting legitimate officers are involved in the extortion.