By Sue-Ann Wayow

TO all criminals in Trinidad and Tobago, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) will neither retreat nor relent when it comes to the protection of law-abiding citizens.

In a strongly worded media release on Saturday, Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro warned criminals they will not have a good end.

“To all criminal elements, I urge you to desist now. This path you are on leads to only one end, and it is one that will not be in your favour.

The TTPS will not retreat, and we will not relent. We will preserve peace and protect the lives of our citizens,” he said.

And if criminals attack a police officer, he or she has attacked the whole police squad.

Guevarro said, “An attack on one of us in law enforcement is an attack on all of us.”

Guevarro commended police officers who since Wednesday night, have engaged in a series of high impact strategic operations across Trinidad and Tobago.

Those exercises have led to several arrests and the seizure of illegal firearms and narcotics, detection as well as deterrence of traffic violations.

It signalled that criminality will find no comfort under this TTPS administration, the CoP said.

He said that throughout the weekend, he will continue to visit various stations and officers on duty to offer encouragement and solidarity to the dedicated frontline personnel.

“Their professionalism and courage, especially under volatile conditions, continue to embody the highest traditions of policing,” Guevarro said.

He did confirm that a prison officer was targeted and injured in what he describes as a reprehensible act of violence.

He remains hospitalised, and  prayers continue for his full and swift recovery.

Guevarro said, “As of last night, senior officers convened and approved a range of operational measures. While I will not disclose the particulars for tactical reasons, I assure the public that we are taking this matter with the utmost seriousness.”

He also confirmed that in the Laventille area, a misguided individual armed himself with a rifle and engaged officers in an act of brazen aggression.

He is now in custody after receiving medical treatment.

Guevarro said, “Let this stand as a stern warning: anyone who chooses to confront law enforcement officers with violence will be met with proportionate and lawful force. Our officers are well trained under the Use of Force Policy to neutralise threats to life. They act not only with professionalism but with resolve and they do so with my full and unequivocal support.”

To the officers, he said, “I stand with you, shoulder to shoulder. I know firsthand the burden of walking into danger. I, too, have faced the fire of a weapon drawn in hostility, and I’ve had to defend myself and others. So when I speak of courage and sacrifice, I do so from a place of lived experience and deep respect. Let us remain vigilant and united.”