Trinidad Police Carry Out 332 Detention Orders Under Extended Emergency Rule

Trinidad and Tobago's Deputy Police Commissioner Junior Benjamin disclosed that 332 Preventative Detention Orders have been enforced since March 3, as the State of Emergency gets prolonged by three more months.

Trinidad Police Carry Out 332 Detention Orders Under Extended Emergency Rule

Law enforcement in Trinidad and Tobago has enforced 332 Preventative Detention Orders since emergency rule began on March 3. Deputy Commissioner Junior Benjamin, who oversees Administration, revealed the tally during a briefing at the Police Administration Building in Port-of-Spain. The count covers orders carried out through June 7.

Benjamin noted that the Homeland Security Minister had greenlit additional detention orders beyond those already acted upon. He did not have figures on how many people faced formal charges, pointing reporters toward Commissioner Alister Guevarro or Operations Deputy Suzette Martin for that data. According to Trinidad Guardian, neither official could be reached for comment before publication.

The emergency period has now been prolonged for another three months. Benjamin assured the public that the police force would maintain its focus on protecting citizens while targeting high-risk offenders. He warned that anyone violating emergency regulations would face legal consequences.

"The TTPS remains steadfast in terms of our objectives and our objectives are to ensure public safety in the midst of the SoE," Benjamin said. He emphasized that ordinary people should feel secure, as authorities would only go after those endangering the nation, while respecting citizens' freedoms.

The Deputy Commissioner also spoke about officer welfare during the prolonged emergency. While leave has not been banned, it is being closely regulated to make sure staff get rest without leaving the force understaffed. Mental health resources, including social workers and the Victim and Witness Support Unit, are being offered. The service is also looking to expand recreational options like sports and gym access to help personnel stay balanced.

Meanwhile, acting Prisons Commissioner Carlos Corraspe told Trinidad Guardian that the prison system stands ready to follow any government directives tied to the emergency. He commended correctional staff for their professional management of detainees across three consecutive emergency periods dating back to December 2024, and encouraged them to keep up their efforts on behalf of public safety.

Earlier emergency detention figures: - July 18, 2025 – January 31, 2026: 205 orders approved; 153 put into effect - December 30, 2024 – April 13, 2025: 50 people held under orders; 13 formally charged

Source: Google News TT — Port of Spain