 | This article has multiple issues. Please helpimprove it or discuss these issues on thetalk page.(Learn how and when to remove these messages) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
|
| Trinidad and Tobago Police Service | |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | T.T.P.S |
| Motto | To Protect and Serve with P.R.I.D.E.[1] |
| Agency overview | |
| Formed | 1592 |
| Preceding agency |
|
| Dissolved | 1966 |
| Employees | 7,884 Regular Officers, 3,005 Special Reserve Police, 530 Civil Servants, 585 Civilian employees |
| Annual budget | $2.6 billionTTD (2025) |
| Legal personality | Statutory body |
| Jurisdictional structure | |
| National agency (Operations jurisdiction) | Trinidad and Tobago |
| Operations jurisdiction | Trinidad and Tobago |
| Size | 1,981 square miles (5,130 km2) |
| Population | 1,310,000 (January 2011) |
| Legal jurisdiction | Republic ofTrinidad and Tobago |
| Governing body | Government of Trinidad And Tobago |
| Constituting instruments |
|
| General nature | |
| Operational structure | |
| Overseen by | The Police Service Commission |
| Headquarters | Police Administration Building, Edward and Sackville Street, Port of Spain |
| Police Officers | 7,884 Regular Officers, 3,005 Special Reserve Police |
| Civil Servants, Civilian employees | 530 Civil Servants, 585 Civilian employees |
| Ministers responsible | |
| Agency executives |
|
| Parent agency | Ministry Of Homeland Security |
| Child agencies |
|
| Facilities | |
| Police Stations | 84 |
| Notables | |
| People |
|
| Programme |
|
| Award |
|
| Website | |
| www.ttps.gov.tt | |
TheTrinidad and Tobago Police Service or TTPS is the primarylaw enforcement agency ofTrinidad and Tobago. It has been in operation for over 200 years.
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is the national law enforcement agency of Trinidad and Tobago, responsible for maintaining law and order, protecting life and property, and preventing and detecting crime. Operating under the Police Service Act Chapter 15:01, the TTPS functions as both a civil and para-military body, structured into various divisions, branches, squads, and units deployed across the islands. Its mandate encompasses a broad range of duties, including enforcing laws, apprehending offenders, and ensuring public safety, with a focus on community policing initiatives and modernization efforts to combat contemporary crime trends. The TTPS works in conjunction with other law enforcement bodies, such as the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and the Municipal Police Service. Citizens use emergency numbers such as 911 and 999 to contact the Police Service.[2]
The TTPS is under theMinistry of Homeland Security (formerly the Ministry of National Security[3]), who provides governmental oversight and administrative support. The Minister of Homeland Security isRoger Alexander MP[4] who was sworn into the cabinet of the new Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on 3 May 2025.[5] The ministry also hasWayne Sturge MP,[6] who is also the Minister of Defence,[3] as Ministers in the Ministry of Homeland Security. The Commissioner of Police (CoP) is Allister Guevarro,[7] who was appointed on 18 June 2025, replacingErla Harewood-Christopher, with Junior Benjamin, Suzette Martin and Natasha George as Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCP).[8][9]
.jpg)
In 1592 the Spaniards founded the first European settlement, Trinidad's capital town San Jose de Oruna (St Joseph). The Office of the Cabildo or Town Council controlled the Police Force. Duties were restricted to within town. The strength of the Police Force never exceeded six between 1592 and 1792.
After slavery was abolished in 1838, and over 22,000 men and women enjoyed their full civil rights, the responsibility of the police increased and a 'rural system of police' had to be established. By the end of 1842 there were twelve police stations and approximately one hundred officers comprising inspectors, sergeants and constables.
In the mid 19th century members of the Metropolitan Police were brought to Trinidad on secondment, thus the Police Force had a very mixed composition as far as racial strains were concerned. During this period the Police Headquarters was housed at the corner of Abercromby and Hart Streets.
The only weapon the policeman carried was his truncheon which was four feet long. Then violence would be met with violence, and a local tradition of the police "beating first and arresting after" was formed. The general pattern of law enforcement in the 1840s was, once arrested the police took the accused to the station or if he was recalcitrant, held him and sent to call the sergeant. All police stations were Courthouses as Magistrates travelled from one Police Station to another. This was until 1844 when trial by jury and the English statutes were introduced into Trinidad.
In 1851 the police was appointed the country's first postmen and mail carriers and the police stations were transformed into Post Offices. The Mounted Branch was established for this purpose. In 1860 the Police Force was relieved of some of these extracurricular duties.
In 1869 an ordinance was initiated for better organisation and discipline of the Police Force. With a more organised Police Force, greater police surveillance of residents was provided.The Police Headquarters at the corner of St. Vincent and Sackville Streets was completed in 1876 housing approximately four hundred and fifty–two (452) men. Over the years the strength increased and other units were established, such as Traffic Branch in 1930 and Special Branch in 1959.[10]
By 1955 the need for policewomen to deal with juveniles and female offenders had long been overdue. Under Ordinance No. 6 of 195, twelve female officers were drafted into the Force.
A Commission of Enquiry was appointed by the government to probe the administration and discipline of the Police Service. In 1966 the then Governor General assented to the Police Service Act, which enacted the Police Service Regulation 1965. This Act divided the Service into two divisions – the first and second divisions. It also introduced a change from Police Force to Police Service. This change was not only in name but also in operation. The focus shifted from being a militaristic force to a service-oriented organization.
By the 1970s the Police Service had grown in strength to 3,399 members and was placed under the portfolio of the Ministry of National Security. Mr. Francis Eustace Bernard was the first local to be appointed Commissioner of Police in 1973.
In 1881 the Police Headquarters was destroyed by fire which was caused by the kerosene oil lighting system. The Police Headquarters was destroyed for a second time in 1990, this time during the attempted coup. A new Police Administration Building was constructed at the corner of Edward and Sackville Streets the following year housing Administrative offices.
During the past two decades the strength of the service has grown to 6436 officers with several new specialist Units being introduced.
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is led by the Commissioner of Police. According to the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago 123A "the Commissioner of Police shall have the complete power to manage the Police Service and is required to ensure that the human, financial and material resources available to the Service are used in an efficient and effective manner." The Commissioner also has authority over the Special Reserve Police and another major police organisation, the Trinidad and Tobago Municipal Police Service.[11] This authority is granted by the Municipal Corporations Act sections 50 & 51 and the Special Reserve Police Act 15:03.[12] Some of the powers the Commissioner has over these other organisations are:
The Commissioner is under the oversight of The Police Service Commission of Trinidad and Tobago (PSC), an independent body, who is granted this authority under Section 123 of the Constitution. They have the responsibility to nominate persons who will be appointed to hold or act in the office of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Police.[14] The appointees must be approved by The House of Representatives of Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago. The PSC also monitors the performance of the Commissioner and DCP. The PSC can remove from office and take disciplinary action on the CoP and DCP. Hear appeals from police officers about promotions or disciplinary actions taken by the Commissioner. The PSC comprises five members, a chairman and four other members, who are chosen by the President after consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition and then approved by Parliament.[15]
Another independent oversight body is the Police Complaints Authority. They have the authority to investigate offences committed by police officers. These investigations can be started by either the Authority's own observations or by offences being known in the public domain. Also by complaints brought forward by the public or any other institution.[16]
The TTPS also interacts with another independent organisation, the Office of theDirector of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The DPP is an independent office established by the constitution which grants the power to undertake criminal prosecution against persons in any court in Trinidad and Tobago. The DPP works with various Governmental, Non-Governmental and international agencies involved in prosecutions matters.[17] The TTPS regularly consults with the DPP in criminal cases as the Director has the power to discontinue any criminal proceedings, whether started by the DPP or others, at any stage in the process.[18][19] The current Director of Public Prosecution is Roger Gaspard,SC.[20]
According to the Ministry of National Security[21] the TTPS has a total staff establishment of 7,884 regular officers, supported by a cadre of 2,561 full-time and 444 part-time Special Reserve Police Officers and 530 permanent civil servants employed via the Public Service Commission and 585 contract civilian employees. The TTPS comprises an Administrative Headquarters, 10 Police Divisions, and 24 Specialist Sections. The current Commissioner of Police (CoP) is Allister Guevarro,[7] who was appointed on 18 June 2025, replacingErla Harewood-Christopher, with Junior Benjamin, Suzette Martin and Natasha George as Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCP).[8]
| Years | Name |
|---|---|
| 1902– 1907 | Colonel Herbert E.J.Brake C.B D.S |
| 1907–1916 | Colonel George Douglas Twain C.M |
| 1916–1930 | Colonel George Herbert May J.I.G V |
| 1931–1938 | Colonel Arthur Stephen Mavrogordato |
| 1938–1948 | Colonel Walter Angus Muller C.M.G C. St. J. |
| 1949–1962 | Colonel Eric Hammet Fairfax Beadon G.B 1 |
| 1962–1966 | George Thomas Whitmore Carr C.V.G G.B.E Q.P.M E |
| 1966–1970 | James Porter Reid M.G.M Q.P |
| 1970-1973 | Francis Eustace Bernard M.G.M Q.P |
| 1973-1978 | Claud Anthony May M.G. |
| 1978–1987 | Randolph-Urich Burroughs M.O.M T |
| 1987–1990 | Louis Jim Rodriguez |
| 1990–1996 | Jules Bernard |
| 1996–1998 | Noor K. Mohammed |
| 1998–2003 | Hilton Guy |
| 2003–2004 | Everald Snaggs |
| 2004–2007 | Trevor Paul |
| 2007–2010 | James Philbert |
| 2010–2012 | Dwayne Gibbs |
| 2012–2018 | Stephen Williams |
| 2018–2021 | Gary Griffith |
| 2021–2022 | Mc Donald Jacob |
| 2023–2025 | Erla Harewood-Christopher |
| 2025– | Allister Guevarro |
The "Updated Public Statement Of The Ministry Of National Security 2024" states that the executive of the Police Service comprises the Commissioner of Police and fourteen other Officers:[21]
• One Commissioner of Police
• Eleven Assistant Commissioners:
According to the Police service Act section 7 the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is divided into two divisions First and Second Division. The first and second schedule of the Act gives the rank structure which are: the First division from Commissioner to Assistant Superintendent and the Second division from Inspector to Constable.
The TTPS is divided into various squads and units including:
| Specialist Sections | Major Functions |
|---|---|
| Anti-Corruption Investigations Bureau | Investigates alleged acts of impropriety on the part of Justices of the Peace and all reports and allegations of corruption against Government Officials, Public Officers, Police Officers and Public and Statutory Bodies |
| Criminal Investigations Department | Investigates serious crimes and maintains record of offenders. |
| Child Protection Unit | Investigates recent matters of sexual offences, abuse, physical abuse, abandonment, neglect and ill-treatment of children |
| Coastal and Air Support Unit | Conduct patrols along the coastline & rivers, where intelligence reports suggest that narcotics, firearms and illegal immigrants enter. |
| Complaints Division | Investigate complaints against Police Officers. |
| Court & Process Branch | Prosecutes most offences of summary jurisdiction, maintains order within the precincts of courts, serves and executes court documents |
| Crime and Problem Analysis Branch | Responsible for the collection, collation, and analysis of crime data. |
| Cyber & Social Media Unit | Assists all investigators with technology-based investigations and operates as an Intelligence gathering tool. |
| E99/Emergency Response Patrol | Assists all investigators with technology-based investigations and operates as an Intelligence gathering tool. |
| Financial Investigations Branch | Financial Matters |
| Fraud Squad | Investigates fraud offences |
| Gender Based Violence Unit | Investigates matters related to Gender-Based Violence and Intrafamily Violence |
| Guard & Emergency Branch | Guard duties, high-profile exercises, escorts high risk prisoners, maintains order at industrial unrests, major events and demonstrations, and responds to emergencies in relation to public order. |
| Homicide Bureau of Investigations | Investigates/Supervises investigations into homicides. |
| Inter-Agency Task Force | Mandated to deal with crime in areas which are deemed "hot spots" for criminal activities. |
| Mounted & Canine Branch | Used as a Support System to perform such duties as patrols, escorts, crowd control, ceremonial duties. |
| National Operational Task Force (N.O.T.F)/Special Operations Unit (S.O.U) | Specialized task force used for high-risk operations. |
| Operations Command Centre | Primarily responsible for monitoring CCTV systems in public roadways throughout Trinidad and Tobago. |
| Police Academy | Responsible for recruitment of persons as police officers and continued professional training of officers. |
| Professional Standards Bureau | Ensuring the integrity, transparency and efficiency of all investigations, including Criminal Complaints made against Police Officers. |
| Special Branch | Confidential investigations, Intelligence gathering, V.I.P protection, Security Surveys |
| Special Investigations Unit | Investigates, prosecutes, disrupts and dismantles gangs and persons involved in serious organized crimes both nationally and transnationally |
| Multi-Option Police Section (MOPs) | The Multi-Operational Police Section (MOPS) is the most elite tactical unit of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS). Specializing in counter-terrorism and high-risk operations, MOPS supports national security through tactical response, high-profile escorts, and joint missions. The unit operates independently and partners with local and international agencies. |
| Traffic & Highway Patrol Branch | Patrol of the Highways and Main Roads, other duties incidental to the patrols |
| Transport & Telecom Branch | Maintenance of transport and telecommunication systems. |
As of 18 October 2024, all police officers, with the exception of four operational units,(the Guard and Emergency Branch, the Multi Operational Police Section, the Inter Agency Task Force and the National Operation Task Force) have been ordered by then Police Commissioner Erla Christopher to return their police tactical kits.[48] This change was enacted because of criminals impersonating police officers to commit crimes such as robberies, assaults, kidnappings, and even murders.[49]
In August 2015, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service signed a deal to acquire theSIG Sauer P229 andSIG Pro to replace some of their older firearms which include theSmith & Wesson M&P. The P229 will be issued all ordinary police officers, while the SIG Pro would be issued to members of the Special Branch Unit.[50]On 17 November 2017, the Ministry of Works and Transport released a statement indicating Minister Rohan Sinanan signed an order to acquire more LIDAR speed guns for the TTPS.[51] In 2018, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service began planning to equip its officers withbody cameras,pepper spray, andtasers.[52] In 2019, TTPS made plans to acquire more body cameras, tasers, and pepper sprays to give to their officers.[53]
In January 2011, it was announced that the air fleet of the former Special Anti-Crime Unit of Trinidad and Tobago (SAUTT), which was made up of four helicopters and an airship, had been absorbed into the TTPS. The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Air Support unit formerly operated twoBO 105 helicopters.[26] During his 2025 budget presentation, Finance Minister Colm Imbert promised 2,000 new TTPS vehicles over the next three years. Of the $1 billion spent by the TTPS between 2013 and 2023, at least $299 million was spent on purchasing vehicles, $368 million on maintenance and $172 million on rentals. Between 2014 and 2023, the TTPS has spent upwards of $25 billion overall, Finance Ministry documents stated.[54]
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service receives its financial allocations in the national budget through the Ministry of Homeland Security (previously Ministry of National Security). The Ministry has two accounting officers aPermanent secretary who is responsible for the ministry and the various divisions and agencies under it, and the Commissioner of Police who is responsible for the Police service. (note 3)
| Year | Total Allocation | National Budget | Percentage of National Budget | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | TT$2,173,353,390.00 | TT$54,581,467,181.00 | 4.0% | |
| 2020 | TT$2,374,165,652.00 | TT$57,388,076,726.00 | 4.1% | |
| 2021 | TT$2,266,370,861.00 | TT$56,498,472,820.00 | 4.0% | |
| 2022 | TT$2,367,769,319.00 | TT$58,974,346,470.00 | 4.0% | |
| 2023 | TT$2,378,430,716.00 | TT$69,379,928,103.00 | 3.4% | |
| 2024 | TT$2,657,933,900.00 | TT$64,467,985,780.00 | 4.1% | 2 |
| 2025 | TT$2,598,277,200.00 | TT$63,530,583,090.00 | 4.1% | 2 |
Note 1: Information from page16 of a summary of expenditure for the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) for the period 2019–2025 By the FINANCIAL SCRUTINY UNIT of Office of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago.
Note 2: Quote from on page 16 in summary "For the Fiscal Years 2019–2023, actual figures were used to calculate the total allocation. However, estimates were used to calculate the total allocation for the Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025."
Note 3: Information from page 3 of theUPDATED PUBLIC STATEMENT OF THE MINISTRY OF NATIONAL SECURITY 2024
The Fiscal 2026 Budget allocated funding for several major Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) development projects, including:[57]
The Budget also supports the development of a new facility, located at Nos. 151–155 Eastern Main Road, Laventille, to support national security operations in the northern and eastern corridors. This facility is planned to accommodate the Traffic and Highway Patrol Branch, Guard and Emergency Branch, Inter-Agency Task Force, Transport Branch, and Tactical Support Units.
Additionally, a TTD$39 million plan was allocated to assist regional corporations in strengthening the Trinidad and Tobago Municipal Police Service (TTMPS) with vehicles, manpower, and equipment.
While on-duty police officer fatalities are relatively infrequent, with ten officers killed between 1982 and 2024, off-duty deaths are more common. Notably, seven off-duty officers were killed in 2024 alone.[58] Many of these off-duty deaths occur while officers are performing private security, often at supermarkets and retail stores, a practice requiring Commissioner's permission.[59] In September 2014, the People's Partnership government introduced a TT$1 million death benefit grant for the families of officers killed on duty. According toGuardian Media, as of November 2024, three families have received this grant.[59]
| Name | Rank | Unit | Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Krishna Banahar | Police Constable | Siparia CID | 6 November 2024 | Killed in a shootout with gunmen at a house in Guapo[60] |
| Clarence Gilkes | Police Constable | Western Division Task Force | 22 April 2022 | Killed by a police-issued bullet in Rich Plain,Diego Martin.[61] |
| Sherman MaynardHBM | Police Constable | Port of Spain Patrol Unit | 24 July 2015 | Shot and killed by escaping prisoners outside the Port of Spain Remand Facility on Upper Frederick Street.[62] Awarded Humming Bird Medal (Bronze) (Posthumous)[63] |
| Hayden Manwaring HBM | Sargeant | San Fernando CID | 18 February 2013 | Shot and killed when he and other officers responded to a report of a robbery inSan Fernando.[64] Awarded Humming Bird Medal (Bronze) (Posthumous)[65] |
| Anil Persad | Police Constable | South Eastern Division Task Force | 1 May 2011 | Shot in his stomach during a shootout at a police raid on a marijuana field in the Charuma Forest,Rio Claro.[66] |
| Edward Williams HBM | Inspector (Ag) | Special Branch | 10 August 2004 | shot dead while providing security for former President Robinson[67] Awarded Humming Bird Medal (Gold) (Posthumous)[68] |
| Kieran Parke | Police Constable | Court and Process Branch | 30 December 2002 | shot in his back when he visited a mini-mart on Ajodha Street, Don Miguel Road,Barataria, to serve a court summons.[69] |
| Solomon McLeod | Constable | Special Reserve Police | 27 July 1990 | shot and killed at the north entrance of Police Headquarters during the events ofthe attempted coup.[70] |
| Roger George | Assistant Superintendent of Police | 27 July 1990 | killed in the attack at the Red House[70] | |
| Ramkhelawan Bootan HBM | Police Constable | 1982 | Shot and killed when he responded to a report of a break-in at the Tamil Building on the corner of Duke and Edward Street, Port-of-Spain. Awarded the Humming Bird Medal (gold) (Posthumus)[71] |
| Year | Award | Receipent | Position | Category | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1969 | The Hummingbird Medal Gold | Mr. Ralph James | Police Corporal | Police Duty | |
| 1969 | The Hummingbird Medal Gold | Mr. Carlyle Missette | Police Constable | Police Duty | |
| 1969 | The Public Service Medal of Merit Gold | Mr. Randolph Burroughs | Assistant Superintendent of Police | Police Duty | |
| 1969 | The Public Service Medal of Merit Gold | Mr. James P. Reid | Commissioner of Police | Police Duty | |
| 1969 | The Public Service Medal of Merit Silver | Mr. James Mc Donald | Radio Communications Supervisor, Police Service | Communications | |
| 1969 | The Public Service Medal of Merit Silver | Miss Mary M. Scandella | Administrative Officer II, Police Service | Administration | |
| 1974 | The Hummingbird Medal Gold | Mr. Andrew Britto [Posthumously] | Former Police Corporal | Gallantry | |
| 1980 | The Trinity Cross | Mr. Randolph Burroughs – M.O.M. | Commissioner of Police | Police Service | |
| 1991 | The Trinity Cross | The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service | Statutory Body | The Preservation of Democracy and Constitutional Government | |
| 2004 | The Hummingbird Medal Gold | Mr. Edward Williams [Posthumously] | Acting Inspector of Police | Bravery, Gallantry and Loyalty | |
| 2012 | The Hummingbird Medal Silver | Roxborough Police Youth Club | Non-Governmental Organization | Community Service | |
| 2024 | The Chaconia Medal Silver | Mr. Stephen Williams | Former Acting Commissioner of Police | National Security and Public Service | |
| 2024 | The Chaconia Medal Silver | Ms. Joanne James | Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police | National Security and Public Service | |
| 2024 | The Chaconia Medal Silver | Mr. James Anthony Philbert | Retired Acting Commissioner of Police | National Security and Public Service |
{{cite web}}:Missing or empty|title= (help)