Senior Reporter
Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro is defending the Government’s move to set up 30 police posts in communities across Trinidad and Tobago as part of its anti-crime plan.
While both he and Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander remained tight-lipped up to yesterday as to the staffing logistics and operational requirements that will be required to undertake the initiative, Guevarro dismissed criticisms by naysayers that it was not necessary, especially following claims by Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar and other officials that crime was on a downward trajectory.
In a release issued via the Corporate Communications Unit of the T&T Police Service (TTPS) yesterday, Guevarro challenged the initiative’s detractors, saying, “It is passing strange that individuals who claim to possess security expertise fail to grasp such a basic concept, choosing instead to dismiss any and all initiatives introduced by law enforcement.”
Insisting that the TTPS would not be distracted by such commentary, he said, “Our responsibility remains the protection of public safety.”
He defended the use of the posts, saying, “These mobile units are a strategic tool designed to strengthen our operational reach, enhance responsiveness, and improve overall effectiveness.”
Reassuring the citizenry that national security forces were acting in their best interest, Guevarro stressed, “Every initiative undertaken by the TTPS is grounded in data, statutory responsibility and a commitment to transparency and accountability.”
The commissioner added, “The mobile police units represent another step in building a modern, responsive, and trusted Police Service.”
However, Guevarro pointed out that the use of mobile units is not new to the TTPS, having been in existence for a number of years.
He said these units are often seen at Carnival festivities, and during the hosting of state and diplomatic events.
Guevarro explained that as with all technology, improvements had been made over time and in keeping with Government’s strategic direction for law enforcement – a decision was taken to procure micro‑police units.
These units, he said, had been modified to maintain mobility while offering greater capacity to law enforcement personnel.
Saying each unit was designed to be moved seamlessly and required only minimal foundation construction, Guevarro boasted, “The new generation of units can house more officers and advanced technology than the outdated models.”
He also said the enhanced capacity of the mobile units was a significant forward step for the TTPS.
With deployment locations being informed by data from the Crime and Problem Analysis Branch (CAPA), Guevarro promised that the units would be strategically placed to counteract crime trends.
“They form a critical part of the current anti‑crime strategy and will serve multiple functions,” he stated.
Among the benefits outlined were improved response times to local issues; encouraging greater community engagement between officers and residents; coordinating major incident planning and responses; an available base for specialised operations and command reporting during emergencies; and an available support structure for tactical deployments and crime suppression interventions.
On Monday, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced that the Government intends to establish the 30 joint police and military posts across Trinidad and Tobago over the next four months, with six additional locations still to be determined.
The proposed locations include the Tarouba Flyover; Grand Bazaar Interchange; Couva Interchange; Williamsville Junction, Guayaguayare; the junction of Rochard Road and Penal Rock Road; the La Romaine intersection of the Southern Main Road and South Trunk Road; Todd’s Road; Tamana Road; Kelly Village; Demerara Road, Aranguez; Eddie Hart Savannah, Tacarigua; Carlsen Field; Felicity; Lady Young Road; Acono Road; Malgretoute Junction; Golconda Interchange and Torrib Road in Tabaquite.
The PM said the posts are intended to serve as operational bases for joint police and military patrols and place security personnel closer to communities, major roads, transport routes and busy junctions.
Works have already started on the posts intended for Grand Bazaar, Tarouba and the Eddie Hart Savannah in Tacarigua, although the latter has resulted in a dispute between the Government and the Tunapuna Regional Corporation.
