The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is optimistic that the State of Emergency operations will continue to bear success.
This according to Deputy Commissioner of Police Operations Junior Benjamin, who says the TTPS continues to witness a reduction in crime.
As the first month of the State of Emergency in Trinidad and Tobago comes to an end, Deputy Commissioner of Police Operations Junior Benjamin says that the TTPS has made significant progress.
He said at least 1 thousand,8 hundred and 13 operations were conducted across the country leading to the arrest of over 1 thousand and 4 hundred persons.
He also shared that there has been a 56% reduction in violent crimes with 194 reported incidents compared to 943 in 2024.
“We have seen a reduction in terms of our murders from 30 murders this year to 40 in comparison to 44 in 2024 and in 2023 we had well over 60 murders around the same time period. In terms of our wounding and shooting we have 27 against 57 last year around this time and sexual offences 32 against 91.
In terms of kidnapping we have 7 compared to 11 and kidnapping for ransom 0 against 1. In terms of robberies there were 98 reported cases compared to 239 in 2024.”
DCP Benjamin said there has also been progress in firearm recovery and drug busts.
“We have recovered thus far 70 firearms and also 1,490 assorted ammunition was also recovered. 159 kilograms of marijuana and a quantity of cocaine was also seized during this period.”
As it relates to gang related homicides there has been a 50% decrease.
He is calling on members of the public to work with the TTPS for the continued success of the SOE operations.
“We are of the firm opinion that if we continue to continue along this course and with the help of the public we can see a further reduction. Therefore we want to encourage all law-abiding citizens to come on board. Be a part of what we’re doing. We need your support. If you see something say something and let us come together because crime is everybody’s business.”
And as we near our first major carnival event, the junior panorama finals, Assistant Commissioner of Police for the North West District Richard Smith is reminding patrons that no firearms and alcohol will be allowed at the venue.