She also said she hoped Government knew what it was doing with Sautts dismantling. Cox said Government should reconsider dismantling Sautt, since its removal would have a detrimental effect on crime detection and the local murder rate. Noting that Sautt was a key crime-fighting agency, she questioned if Government was serious about fighting crime.

Cox said there were many gang leaders in prison because of Sautts efficient work. She added: By disbanding Sautt, I hope all the investigators return to give evidence against the 67 gang members who are in custody. If they are released there may be retribution attacks. Cox voiced concern about the several pieces of sensitive information in Sautts database. She said: We need to be careful this information does not get into the hands of criminal elements.

What will  happen to all the highly-trained Sautt members? There will be a significant loss of investment in  manpower and human resources and low morale for those who will now have to work with a reduced income. Cox said in the past three years Sautt prevented over 200 homicides and in one night alone ten potential homicides were prevented. She suggested that part of the legislation (clause 61) under debate apply to employees of the new National Intelligence Agencywhich replaces Sauttand other law enforcement officers.

She said the same protection offered in another clause for family members of witnesses and jurors also should apply to the immediate family member of the security forces. Cox dismissed Government claims she misled the police with regard to the police compensation package.