1 week ago
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Shane Superville
Senior Reporter
As of July 28, the T&T Police Service (TTPS) has achieved seven out of the ten crime-fighting objectives they set for this year.
The TTPS had targeted: a reduction in murders, violent crimes, sexual offences, serious reported crimes, car thefts, fatal road traffic accidents; a higher detection rate for murder, fraud and violent crime; higher firearm recovery and more anti-gang charges being laid.
Data collated by the TTPS Crime and Problem Analysis (CAPA) branch, which was compared to the corresponding period in 2024, showed there was a 36 per cent reduction in murders, with 222 murders as of July 28, compared to 349 for the same period last year.
A 28 per cent reduction in violent crime (shootings, woundings, kidnappings and robberies) was also recorded, with a 21 per cent drop in sexual offences.
The number of Serious Reported Crimes (SRCs) dropped by 14 per cent, car thefts dropped by 35 per cent, while a five per cent reduction in fatal Road Traffic Accidents was observed.
The report also revealed that the detection rate for fraud increased by 24 per cent this year, while the detection rate for violent crime increased by 25 per cent.
Despite these successes, the TTPS failed to achieve a ten per cent detection rate in murders, with only a five per cent increase being recorded.
There was only a six per cent increase in the number of persons charged under the Anti-Gang Act, compared to the ten per cent increase that was anticipated and only a five per cent increase in the number of guns seized, as opposed to the 15 per cent target that was set.
Contacted for comment criminologist Dr Randy Seepersad said while the progress was encouraging, it may not necessarily be due to more effective police techniques, noting that the period covered by the data of January to July also corresponded to the period of time the first State of Emergency (SoE) was in effect.
The SoE, which was introduced under former Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, remained in effect from December 30, 2024, to April 14, 2025, in response to a series of gang-related murders at that time.
Another SoE was declared months later on July 18, under the United National Congress-led Government.
He said the TTPS and the public should not confuse the recent successes as the beginning of long-term law enforcement success, as they were likely due to enhanced police operations and powers from the SoE, noting that such progress could not be sustained over a long period of time.
“What we really need to be mindful of is whether we are doing anything different in terms of the strategies we are using. Are we broadening the net in terms of high-crime communities and hotspots?” he asked.
“The TTPS has to be aware of whether they changed any of their strategies and it would be difficult to disentangle the results of a change in strategy from the effects of a State of Emergency. So in all likelihood, the declines we are observing are the result of the State of Emergency.
“So, it doesn’t mean the TTPS doesn’t need to keep examining the effectiveness of strategies, they do, but we shouldn’t be too quick to pat ourselves on the shoulder and attribute it to police strategy.”
Referring to the three unmet objectives—low murder detection rate, low firearm seizures and low anti-gang charges—Seepersad said these required more consistent information and thorough investigative processes for success.
“If there hasn’t been a notable increase in detection rates, it suggests at least in that aspect of policing that it has remained relatively the same as it was before and we know detection rates over time has been declining.
“It’s a very good thing the TTPS is monitoring these things and are mindful of those targets they achieved versus those that they don’t because it suggests there are things that still have to be done.
“They need to examine why they are falling behind in these areas and it could be multiple issues but it means they have to take a deep dive and try to figure out what strategies can be put in place.”
Also contacted, security expert Garvin Heerah said while the progress was indicative of wider operational performance, a more collaborated, intelligence-led approach was needed to achieve the three objectives not yet met.
He suggested that policing should include focusing on “high value” targets by deploying police to identify choke points in the layout of different communities.
Heerah also suggested that success would required sustained morale and performance from police officers.
“Leadership must ensure that officers feel valued, supported, and protected while carrying out high-risk duties.
“The challenge is not only to sustain the current positive trajectory beyond the SoE but to institutionalise these successes so they are resilient to changing crime patterns and leadership transitions.
“This requires strategic continuity, technology-driven enforcement, and whole-of-government support to empower the TTPS to meet and exceed all crime-fighting objectives for 2025.”
Of all ten police divisions, the CAPA data revealed that the Central Division had the highest number of murders for 2025, with 43 murders as of July 28, followed by Northern North which had 33 and the Southern Division which recorded 31.
Gang-related activities were believed to be the motive for 30 per cent of the murders this year, with altercations suspected as being the motive for 17 per cent.
In terms of gun seizures, pistols were the most common type of firearm confiscated by police with 207 guns recovered, followed by 97 revolvers, 37 shotguns and 36 rifles.
English (US) ·