The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has expressed serious concern about a rise in social media posts in which individuals have made threats of violence against one another, as well as threats directed at public officials.
In a statement on this matter, Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro said the TTPS will act against offenders as “this behaviour is unlawful, dangerous, and will not be tolerated.”
“Any individual who uses social media or any digital platform to issue threats, encourage violence, or endanger the safety of any person, including government officials, will face the full force of the law. Our Cyber and Social Media Unit continues to track these offences, and once evidence is gathered, offenders will be identified, located, and prosecuted.”
The Commissioner emphasised that while freedom of expression is a right, it has limits.
“Freedom of expression is a right, and every citizen is free to share their thoughts and opinions. However, that freedom ends where criminal conduct begins. No one has the right to incite violence, intimidate others, or use online platforms to threaten harm. Such actions undermine public safety, destabilise communities, and erode the peace and order that citizens deserve.”
The Commissioner also noted that under the Emergency Powers Regulations 2025, the Minister responsible for national security may issue a Preventive Detention Order to any person to prevent them from acting in a manner prejudicial to public safety. He said this power also applies when “individuals use social media to publish posts or comments that incite violence, invite external interference, or otherwise endanger the safety and stability of the nation.”
He urged citizens to exercise responsibility online.
“Share your views, raise your concerns, and participate in national dialogue, but do so within the boundaries of the law. Don’t take chain up from anyone as your words today can have you in handcuffs tomorrow. Words have consequences, and those who choose to threaten or incite violence will be held accountable.”