Trinidad and Tobago Police to host Community Justice Clinics to tackle increased crime

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is making a bold approach to community engagement by hosting a series of Community Justice Clinics across the country.

These clinics are expected to help the residents to have an interaction with the police, air their grievances and seek appropriate solutions to problems that affect the society. The invitation is part of TTPS’s continuous pursuit to enhance it appreciation with the public and the enhancement of safety and security in the country.

Upcoming Clinics

Introductive phase of the upcoming Community Justice Clinics is to be organized on Saturday, August 24th, 2024, from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, at two planned locations:

Southern Division: Princes Town West Secondary School, Princes Town

South-Western Division: Iere High School, Siparia

It should be noted that these places have been selected carefully, given accessibility to people across these regions making it easier for individuals to participate. In the clinics, the community members shall also get a chance to listen to the police commissioners, air their grievances, and get legal advice.

This will also involve talks on measures or ways of avoiding crime incidents, safety for the neighbourhood, and the part that addresses how people can support the police force. Officials of the TTPS have continued to assert that these clinics are part of the overall plan of engaging the public in enhancing mutual trust with the police.

Crime Concerns in the Region

Criminal offences have recently been reported in the Southern and South-Western divisions, where the upcoming clinics are to be staged, and the violent events have been a matter of fear to residents. Such areas have recorded increased cases of violent crimes such as robberies and assaults that have compelled local police departments to ensure crime-free environment in those regions.

In this regard, the TTPS has upped its patrols, vigilance and Institutional Operations to implement preventative actions aimed at arresting criminal activities. But they do acknowledge that these initiatives are insufficient on the force’s part alone and that the support of the communities is paramount in combating crime.

Importance of Community Involvement

The TTPS to host Community Justice Clinics is a welcomed move towards ensuring that police and the public are on good terms. The police service aims to develop a platform for dialogue that will hopefully engage and encourage citizens to play their part in reducing crime and improving community safety.

Since crime is still a big issue in Trinidad and Tobago, such activities help to fill the void between law enforcement officials and the people. The notable success of these Community Justice Clinics may indeed provide a model for future endeavours similar in design which will further help fortify the foundation and make the community stronger.