The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) says there has been a reduction in several major crimes during the first 21 days of the ongoing State of Emergency (SoE), even as public concern grows over a spate of recent murders.
Speaking at a media briefing on March 25, Assistant Superintendent Owie Russell outlined crime statistics for the period March 3 to March 23, 2026, noting declines in several key areas.
The data comes amid questions about the effectiveness of the SoE, particularly following multiple killings, including that of 17-year-old Jordan Cudjoe Burke, the son of alleged gang leader Cedric “Burkie” Burke.
Russell said shooting incidents and woundings dropped significantly, with 14 reported cases during the period. Sexual offences also declined to 13, compared to 54 during a similar timeframe under the last SoE.
Kidnappings for ransom were also down, with only one reported case.
Police recorded decreases in several other categories, including break-ins, which fell to 50 from 74, and robberies, which dropped to 51 from 125. General larceny cases declined to 59 from 118, while motor vehicle larceny fell to 26 from 67.
Narcotics offences also decreased to 15 from 23, and possession of ammunition dropped sharply to 24 cases compared to 132 in the previous period.
However, Russell noted that home invasions saw a slight increase.
He said investigations are ongoing, with two suspects currently in custody in the Southern Division expected to be placed on identification parades in connection with multiple incidents.
He also highlighted enforcement efforts during the SoE, revealing that 782 people were arrested, with 176 charged.
A total of 1,914 operations were conducted.
Police recovered 48 firearms and 1,376 rounds of ammunition, along with significant quantities of narcotics, including 279,859 grammes of marijuana, 1,904 grammes of cocaine, and smaller amounts of other drugs such as crystal methamphetamine, ecstasy, heroin and molly.
Russell also read a statement from Senior Superintendent Christopher Paponette, who sought to reassure residents in the Eastern Division following recent violent incidents.
In the statement, Paponette extended condolences to families affected by recent killings and stressed that all cases are being treated with equal urgency and seriousness.
Among the matters under active investigation are the murder of businessman Danny Anthony Guerra on March 13 in the Sangre Grande district and another killing on March 23 in the Matura Police District.
Both cases are being handled by the Homicide Bureau of Investigation Region 2 with support from the Eastern Division.
Paponette warned that such incidents could lead to retaliatory violence, prompting the division to adopt a heightened intelligence-led policing strategy under the current emergency regulations.
He said coordinated operations have been carried out across several districts, including Sangre Grande, Valencia, Rio Claro, Biche, Manzanilla and Toco. These efforts have included roadblocks, targeted patrols, search exercises, execution of warrants, and increased monitoring of coastal areas and key infrastructure.
Police said the operations have resulted in multiple arrests, as well as the seizure of illegal drugs, firearms and ammunition.
While noting there is no indication of widespread escalation at this time, Paponette said the division remains on high alert and continues to monitor persons of interest and known offenders.
He added that community engagement remains a key part of the strategy, with officers working to build trust and encourage public cooperation in crime-fighting efforts.
Police said they remain committed to preventing further violence and maintaining public safety as investigations continue.
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