Trinidad and Tobago police defend deployment of new mobile units
Key Points(5)
- The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is defending its decision to deploy a new generation of mobile police units, saying the initiative will strengthen its ability to respond to crime and emergencies across the country.
- The TTPS said Friday that mobile police units are not new to Trinidad and Tobago, but the force is now procuring what it describes as “micro-police units” with greater capacity and more advanced technology than earlier models.
- According to the police service, the units can be relocated across the country with minimal foundation construction and can accommodate more officers and technology than previous versions.
- The locations will be determined using crime data from the TTPS Crime and Problem Analysis Branch, allowing the units to be positioned strategically based on emerging crime trends and community needs.
- The units will serve multiple purposes, including community engagement, rapid response to local issues, major incident planning and coordination, and serving as forward operating bases for specialized police operations.
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is defending its decision to deploy a new generation of mobile police units, saying the initiative will strengthen its ability to respond to crime and emergencies across the country.
The TTPS said Friday that mobile police units are not new to Trinidad and Tobago, but the force is now procuring what it describes as “micro-police units” with greater capacity and more advanced technology than earlier models.
According to the police service, the units can be relocated across the country with minimal foundation construction and can accommodate more officers and technology than previous versions.
The locations will be determined using crime data from the TTPS Crime and Problem Analysis Branch, allowing the units to be positioned strategically based on emerging crime trends and community needs.
The units will serve multiple purposes, including community engagement, rapid response to local issues, major incident planning and coordination, and serving as forward operating bases for specialized police operations.
They will also support on-the-ground incident command during emergencies, tactical deployments and crime suppression initiatives.
Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro acknowledged criticism of the strategy but said the police service would remain focused on its public safety responsibilities.
“Yet it is passing strange that individuals who claim to possess security expertise fail to grasp such a basic concept, choosing instead to dismiss any and all initiatives introduced by law enforcement,” Guevarro said.
“The TTPS will not be distracted by such commentary. Our responsibility remains the protection of public safety, and these mobile units are a strategic tool designed to strengthen our operational reach, enhance responsiveness, and improve overall effectiveness,” he said.
Guevarro said members of the public could be assured that TTPS initiatives are guided by data, statutory responsibilities, transparency and accountability.
“The mobile police units represent another step in building a modern, responsive and trusted Police Service,” he said.
The TTPS said the mobile units form part of its broader anti-crime strategy and are intended to give officers greater flexibility to respond to changing security needs across Trinidad and Tobago.
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