The Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service confirms that an investigation has been initiated into the disappearance of a key at the Women’s Prison.
A statement from the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service said on Monday February 3rd, 2025, during the handing and taking over process at the facility, it was observed that a riot-gate key, which secures gates at the Northern Division was missing. As per protocol, the Superintendent of the Station was informed of the issue for onward conveyance to Acting Commissioner of Prisons, Carlos Corraspe, who immediately informed Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds.
The facility was placed on ‘lockdown’ mode, where all charges were secured. Several thorough searches were conducted of all areas of the Women’s Prison compound, as well as of the inmates. Immediate steps were initiated in consultation with the Prisons locksmith to implement counter measures to secure the gates to prevent any breach of security at the facility.
Commissioner Corraspe stated that the situation is a worrying and compromising one, and replacement of the identified locks is paramount. He added that the procurement process has been initiated through the Prisons locksmith. He also cautioned that any and all persons found culpable in this egregious breach of security at the Women’s Prison shall be held accountable via the disciplinary process, in terms of any and all possible breaches of the Prison Service Code of Conduct Regulations that may have occurred. This will be based upon receipt and review of the report.
The Commissioner of Prisons wishes to reassure the national community that the counter measures employed will ensure that no gate at the Prison is compromised and that security is assured through these alternative measures until the new locks are procured and installed. Further, a review of the operating systems with respect to the management of keys at the facility will be undertaken in tandem with the disciplinary process. This is aimed at identifying any gaps in the accountability framework involving the handling and management of keys at the institution