PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago, Sept 12, CMC – The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) says it is prepared to maintain public safety as detainees held under Preventive Detention Orders (PDOs) are released ahead of the expected end of the State of Emergency later this month.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, Suzette Martin, said in a statement on Saturday that the revocation of a PDO or the release of a person held under one does not, in itself, provide a basis for police action against that individual. She said, however, that a person’s release does not mean an investigation has ended.
“Where a person remains the subject of an active investigation, the TTPS will continue to gather evidence and pursue that investigation to its proper conclusion, whether during the State of Emergency or after it has been lifted. Any further action will be founded on evidence and taken strictly in accordance with the law,” Martin said.
Martin said the police divisions, intelligence, investigative and operational units have been coordinating to manage the transition, with the policing response guided by intelligence, evidence and the law.
“I want to reassure the national community that the TTPS has made the necessary operational preparations to manage this transition and to maintain public safety,” she said.
“There will be appropriate police visibility and targeted operational activity in areas where our assessments indicate that this is necessary. We will continue our efforts to disrupt illegal firearms, gang activity and other serious criminal threats, while protecting victims, witnesses and vulnerable communities.”
Martin assured the public that officers are expected to conduct themselves professionally and proportionately, while respecting the rights of all individuals.
Several people detained under PDOs issued during the current State of Emergency have been released as the emergency period draws to a close.
Legal challenges arising from the use of the preventive detention powers remain before the courts.
The TTPS is urging members of the public to remain calm and vigilant and to cooperate with the police by reporting criminal activity and immediate threats.
“The emergency powers may change. Our responsibility to public safety does not,” Martin said.
CMC/ed/2026