The Government has proposed legislation to give police and Defence Force personnel expanded powers to tackle serious and gang-related crime.
The Special Operations Bill was introduced in the Lower House on Friday by Attorney General John Jeremie SC. It would establish seven policing districts — six in Trinidad and one in Tobago — creating a framework for targeted special operations, including closed areas, warrantless searches and other security measures.
“While the Bill gives security forces special powers, warrantless searches under specific circumstances, it is designed to be a limited and temporary measure, and it is distinct from a State of Emergency. It does not grant powers equivalent to a State of Emergency.”
The Attorney General said the Bill also provides for appointed senior police officers to lead special operations in each district.
“Clause 5 of the Bill provides that the Commissioner must appoint a senior police officer of the rank of Superintendent or higher to lead special operations in a district. That appointment is subject to veto by the Prime Minister. Before raising an objection, the Prime Minister is required to consult three specific officials: the Minister of Homeland Security, the Minister responsible for Defence, and the Chief of Defence Staff.”
The Bill also introduces reporting and accountability requirements for police and military assistance during special operations. Monthly reports must be submitted through the chain of command, with the Prime Minister required to present a combined annual report to Parliament within three months of the end of each year.
The AG noted a key provision is the power to declare a closed area where escalating violent or gang-related crime threatens public safety and ordinary policing measures are insufficient.
“An order subject to negative resolution of the House of Representatives would declare a closed area within a district if public safety and peace are threatened by escalating violent crime or gang-related activity or the prevalence of illegal firearms, ammunition or other weapons or explosives, or the control or intimidation of a local community by a gang, and, it’s conjunctive, if ordinary law enforcement measures are insufficient to restore public safety and peace in that area.”
The Bill would also expand police search and seizure powers within a declared closed area.
“It allows a police officer to search any place, vehicle or person without a warrant based on reasonable suspicion of an offence being committed, previously committed, or about to be committed. Officers may seize vehicles, articles or documents deemed useful for preventing disorder or of substantial value to a criminal investigation.”
As part of its accountability measures, the Bill provides for body-worn cameras to be used by police and Defence Force personnel during special operations, where possible and subject to available resources.
The Bill’s built-in sunset clause will ensure its automatic expiration after two years unless Parliament legislates an extension.
The Special Operations Bill succeeds the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) Bill, 2026, which was introduced in the House of Representatives on January 16th, 2026.