Citizens can expect more in-person and social media engagement with their Municipal Police officers.
A brand-new Communications Unit will ensure communities are kept up to date and informed of crucial developments that may affect them.
The newly launched Public Information and Communications Unit of the Trinidad and Tobago Municipal Police Service aims to foster public confidence while keeping communities informed and engaged.
Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Khadijah Ameen championed the move, noting that it is crucial for modern policing.
“Public safety is strengthened when communities are informed. Trust is strengthened when we have transparency through our communicating. Partnerships are strengthened when citizens feel engaged and included. This Unit will serve as the official bridge between the Municipal Police and the people of Trinidad and Tobago. It has to ensure that information flows openly, responsibly and effectively.”
The Unit will be spearheaded by Public Information Officer Assistant Superintendent Katrina-Kelly Garcia.
Head of the Municipal Police Service, Assistant Commissioner Wayne Mystar, said the Unit is committed to forging meaningful relationships with communities and delivering results.
“Let me make something equally clear: The Communication Unit, will not just be a one-way microphone, it will be a two-way conversation. Our citizens will speak, we will listen. Our communities will raise concerns, we will respond. Our officers will share ideas, and the leadership will hear them. This is how trust is built: one conversation at a time, one story at a time, one relationship at a time.”
Minister Ameen also noted that the Government is currently reviewing legislation to have the Municipal Police incorporated into the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
The move seeks to address some of the challenges it currently faces.
“The Government of Trinidad and Tobago and the Attorney General is examining legislation, based on recommendations from the Municipal Police and TTPS, to have Municipal Police properly incorporated as part of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, so you will hear some more about that, because a lot of the issues that arose out of Municipal Police came about because we didn’t have proper reporting structure, proper disciplinary mechanisms, and lack of accountability.”
The Public Information and Communications Unit of the Trinidad and Tobago Municipal Police Service can be found on all social media platforms, where it provides public safety alerts, community alerts, crime prevention tips and community outreach updates.