A rise in violent crime across multiple police divisions in recent weeks has prompted the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) to review and strengthen its crime-fighting initiatives, including increased patrols, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Suzette Martin has said.
In a media release issued yesterday, Martin said the TTPS has recorded “sporadic incidents” of violent crime over the past two weeks.
“In response, we have reviewed and strengthened our crime-fighting initiatives, increasing our operational visibility through the ‘Steady the Guard’ initiative. While these efforts have yielded some successes, we acknowledge that there is still more work to be done,” she said.
“The TTPS continues to implement a multi-pronged, intelligence-driven approach to address violent crime. Central to this strategy is the targeting of underlying drivers, particularly gang-related activity.
“Through focused anti-gang initiatives, and the strategic use of legislative powers available under the current state of emergency, we are actively working to disrupt criminal enterprises and dismantle organised networks,” she said.
Martin said the TTPS has also strengthened its analytical capacity through the Crime and Problem Analysis Branch. This, Martin said, is improving its ability to interpret crime trends, allocate resources more effectively, and carry out proactive interventions to prevent incidents before they occur.
“Operationally, we have intensified high-visibility policing through increased patrols along major roadways and within communities, as well as sustained roadblock exercises and joint operations involving specialised units.
“Particular focus remains on the interdiction of illegal firearms, suppression of gang activity, and disruption of narcotics trafficking,” Martin said.
Martin also highlighted ongoing collaboration between the TTPS and other key national security stakeholders, including the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF), Prison Service, Immigration Division, and Customs and Excise Division.
“These partnerships support coordinated operations and enhanced intelligence sharing,” she said.
Martin said that partnership with the public also remains a central component of the TTPS’ overall crime reduction strategy.
“Recognising that effective policing requires public partnership, we have expanded our community-led intervention programmes. These initiatives are critical in reducing the risk of retaliatory violence and fostering cooperation between law enforcement and the communities we serve,” she said.
Martin said the TTPS recognises the role of strategic communication in shaping behaviour, building public trust, and driving positive social change.
“We are mindful that no single approach is sufficient. Enforcement without community trust is ineffective, and community engagement without enforcement lacks deterrent value. It is this balance that guides our operational philosophy,” she said.
“As Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), I assure the national community that the TTPS remains steadfast in its commitment to protect and serve with pride. We will continue to leverage modern policing strategies, strengthened partnerships, and community collaboration to reduce violent crime and enhance public safety,” Martin said.
She emphasised that the TTPS uses a multilayered, intelligence-driven approach to address crime and its root causes.
