Trinidad & Tobago Police Service collaborates with locals to tackle crime

With the escalating crime rate in Tobago, a delegation from the Ministry of National Security and the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has therefore sought to deepen cooperation and improve security operations in Tobago.

The team which consisted of Minister in the Ministry of National Security, Keith Scotland; Commissioner of Police, Erla Harewood-Christopher; The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Intelligence and Investigations, Suzette Martin; and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Collis Hazel meet with the Chamber’s Tobago affiliate to address the emerging problem of increasing crime.

Much of the discussions were aimed at proffering and planning for effective strategies in combating crime that is an essential key to protect citizens, business and communities in Tobago.

These are a part of an extended effort to recharge safety for the island, in view of heightened crime rate that poses a threat to the inhabitants and people intending to invest in the island. The Trinidad & Tobago Police Service insisted that the multisectoral approach of police cooperation with the Government, Ministries and Organizations is needed to address the crime threats in Tobago.

As part of their visit, the high-level team conducted a walkabout through several communities across the island, including Scarborough, Black Rock, Roxborough, and Crown Point. This hands-on approach allowed the delegation to connect directly with community members, gaining insights into their concerns and experiences with crime in their neighborhoods. The walkabout was also an opportunity to reassure residents of the government and police service’s commitment to ensuring their safety and well-being.

During their tour, the high-level team toured several of the communities across the island including Scarborough, Black Rock, Roxborough and Crown Point. The practical part of the work enabled the delegation to gain firsthand information on the issues under consideration and the problems of crime in the communities.

It was also an occasion to convince the population that the government as well as the police service are determined to secure their safety and well-being. The team also interacted with the community, they went to five police stations across the island and conversated with the senior officers.

These interactions were meant to determine the effectiveness with which policing was being carried out in the island to accompany the challenges on the ground that the police face and discussed on how best to improve the effectiveness of the force in maintaining law and order.

The Trinidad & Tobago Police Service holds high hope that all these partnerships will produce positive fruits on cutting down crime rates on the island. The example demonstrated by the Ministry of National Security, the TTPS leadership, and other stakeholders shows the willingness to make Tobago’s communities safer for everybody.