Only 12% Detection Rate for Murders

By Sue-Ann Wayow

THE Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has achieved only a 12% murder detection rate, short of its target of 30% for the period January 1 to May 15.

Illegal firearms, used in over 85% of murders, continue to be the weapon of choice used in criminal activity and the TTPS is promising to continue in its quest to seize as many illegal firearms as possible.

“Our emphasis on removing these weapons from our communities therefore remains a top priority and we have recorded some success there. In 2023 to date, 262 firearms have been seized,” the TTPS stated in a media release on Thursday as it provided an update on crime statistics.

It admitted that it has fallen short of its target in several areas.

For the period  Jan 1 to May 15, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022, a target of a 15% reduction in serious crime was set and there has been a 17% reduction. 

“While the organisation would have set a target of 30% detection rate for serious crimes, our efforts, thus far have yielded a result of 16% for 2023,” the TTPS stated.

It made some stride in reducing Road Traffic Accidents with a 15% decrease, 10 % more than the projected 5% decrease.

The TTPS said, “We aimed for a 20 % decrease in violent crimes, and so far have recorded a 15% decrease. Although we have fallen short on this target, we continue to analyse our strategies, and remain confident that our efforts will continue to bear fruit.”

It continued, “Despite our best efforts to date, we have not yet been able to attain our target of a 20% reduction in the murder rate. We have instead recorded a 10% increase. This remains our main area of focus into which we will continue to exert a herculean effort. We have achieved a 12% murder detection rate, short of our target of 30%. We targeted a 10% decrease in Motor Vehicle Larceny and have achieved a 1% decrease thus far.”

Targets challenging but not attainable  

Commissioner of Police Erla Christopher-Harewood said, “The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service continues to regularly review and update its operations and strategies, with a view of reducing the incidence of crime and the fear of crime as we work to make every place in our nation safe.” 

She added, “We have set certain targets and our officers have been working assiduously to achieve these goals. We have implemented throughout all Divisions, our Violent Crime Reduction Plan built on the pillars of Precision, Intelligence, Prevention, Proactivity, and Prosecution”. 

The plan focuses on Precision Policing of the “Power Few”, dismantling criminal gangs, seizing illegal firearms, eradicating drug blocks, increasing focus on transnational organised crime and the full deployment of available technology to enhance police operations. 

While the Commissioner acknowledged that certain targets set by the TTPS have, so far, not been achieved, she remained confident in the TTPS’ crime strategies. “We know our targets are challenging, but we do not believe they are unattainable. It requires hard work which we are committed to doing. There is no consideration by me or any member of my Executive that the TTPS is unable or incapable to address the situation,” Christopher-Harewood

She said, “What the data is telling us is that we need to increase our deployment of resources in certain areas, increase our focus on particular strategies and improve the precision of our intelligence and information.”

The TTPS promises 

The TTPS stated that it has been closely monitoring the implementation of its plans and their impact on the national landscape focusing on training and development to build capacity and competence and has sought to maximise the use of technology to enhance the effectiveness of operations. 

It has also intensified its community outreach program and will continue to educate the public on matters of security as it relates to their motor vehicles, and target priority offenders with a view to making greater inroads in this area of criminal activity, the TTPS said. 

The TTPS is also promising to work with communities to offer positive alternatives to gang life which is an allurement to many misguided youths and that police presence and visibility will be increased through the grid patrol system.   

The media will also be engaged in an effort to build awareness on crime prevention. 

The release stated, “The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is determined to win the war against crime, and bring a sense of peace and safety to members of the public. With additional boots on the ground, we ask the members of the public to partner with us in being the extra eyes and ears we need to restore peace and security to our beloved country.”