PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago — The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) says it has made operational preparations to maintain public safety as people previously held under Preventive Detention Orders are released following the revocation of those orders.

Deputy Commissioner of Police – Operations Suzette Martin said the TTPS is aware of the public interest and concerns surrounding the phased release of people who had been subjected to the orders.

In a statement, Martin said the police service has coordinated its divisions, intelligence, investigative and operational units to manage the transition and maintain public safety.

She said the TTPS policing posture will continue to be guided by intelligence, evidence and the law, with appropriate police visibility and targeted operational activity in areas where assessments indicate it is necessary.

The police service will also continue efforts to disrupt illegal firearms, gang activity and other serious criminal threats while protecting victims, witnesses and vulnerable communities, Martin said.

Martin stressed that the revocation of a Preventive Detention Order, or the release of a person held under such an order, does not by itself provide a basis for police action against that individual.

At the same time, she said release does not mean that an investigation involving an individual has come to an end.

“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,” Martin said.

She said investigations may continue during the State of Emergency or after it has been lifted, with any further action based on evidence and taken strictly in accordance with the law.

Martin also said officers are expected to act professionally and proportionately and with due regard for the rights of every citizen.

The TTPS urged members of the public to remain calm and vigilant and to continue working with the police.

Anyone with information concerning criminal activity or an immediate threat to public safety is being encouraged to report it through the appropriate police channels.

“The emergency powers may change. Our responsibility to public safety does not,” Martin said.

The TTPS said further updates will be provided to the public as necessary.