Police Service To Be Fair and Responsible in Operations Under SOE

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – January 2, 2025 – The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) held a press conference on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, to discuss the conditions of the recently imposed State of Emergency (SOE). Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher reiterated that the SOE aims to expand police powers to effectively carry out law enforcement duties. While acknowledging that citizens may face some inconvenience, she assured that the police service would act fairly and responsibly in its operations.

Under the SOE, several provisions are in place, including the authority to search premises without warrants, expanded powers for the President and the Commissioner of Police to issue directives, and a 48-hour detention window for individuals, according to Acting Sergeant Zahir Alley. Alley emphasized the significance of the 48-hour period, noting that it can be extended if necessary.