The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service says measures are in place to ensure the Carnival season continues to roll out in a safe and secure manner.
The TTPS activated Phase Two of Operation Festive Shield for Carnival 2026, under the operational theme: Secure De VIBES.
Gold Commander for Carnival 2026, Deputy Commissioner of Police – Operation Suzette Martin, said the TTPS is fully prepared to ensure public safety and maintain law and order, with a zero tolerance approach to firearms and violence.
“That means visibility, you will see a strong high visible police presence across Carnival routes, entertainment zones, transport areas, and surrounding communities. Intelligence deployments are intelligence-led and focused on prevention and not just response.”
Gold Alternate and Assistant Commissioner of Police of the North West Region, ACP Garvin Henry, said that all Carnival events thus far have been incident free. He said that meetings were also held with stakeholders to ensure that it continues.
He also confirmed that a traffic plan is in place to deal with traffic in the West.
“We have a traffic plan in place that seeks to properly manage the easy flow of traffic. We cannot eliminate the traffic, but we can manage it, minimise it, and cause the least amount of inconvenience to the public as possible.”
ACP Brian Soodeen also urged motorists to comply with the law.
“Our road exercises inclusive of speed monitoring and DUI testing, will be enforced during the period.”
ACP, Tactical Support, Collis Hazel, says that officers are being trained to maintain public order, and are well aware of the use of force policy. He cautioned against disorderly behaviour.
“Please do not try to confront the police officers, or any of the law enforcement officers as they do and continue to do and provide their level of duty to members of the public. We are trained, and we know how to handle situation of these sort.”
Citizens are also reminded that failure to ensure the safety of children can result in criminal prosecution by the police.
“The safety of a child is more important than feting, than liming right. I mean these are human beings, and the safety of our little citizens are as important to us as it is to you the general public, alright. So my message to persons: ensure that if you have to go out, and you have small children or dependents, that there is proper supervision in place to ensure the safety of those children.”
Citizens opting to camp during the Carnival season are also urged to do so safely by engaging with police officers in those districts.