This country will see heightened activity among security forces as the Ministry of National Security has escalated the alert state of all law enforcement agencies from green to amber following the 10th murder in four days. There were 13 murders last year for the comparable period. In a news release yesterday the ministry confirmed that the raised alert level was a direct response to the “spike in gang related homicides.”
The release said the alert state was being led by the T&T Police Service (TTPS) and the National Operations Centre (NOC) the joint exercise coordinating agency, which will result an increased visibility of joint patrols of police and soldiers throughout T&T. “This alert state is necessary to bring this situation under immediate control.” It will also result in air patrols and air surveillance, increased roadblocks and stop and search activities.
The ministry asked the public to comply with all instructions of law enforcement personnel, especially when stopped and questioned. National Security Minister Gary Griffith yesterday assured “is in no way intended to curtail civil liberties but has become necessary to ensure the safety and security for all.” “This has nothing to with a state of emergency,” Griffith assured.