A SECURITY initiative called Operation Festive Shield has been launched by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) to protect citizens, businesses and visitors during Christmas and Carnival 2026.

The operation followed a stakeholder meeting last Thursday, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Suzette Martin, where crime reduction strategies were discussed.

A press release by the TTPS on Wednesday stated, “The operation commenced in Port of Spain and the Western Division, the country’s primary commercial and entertainment corridor, where increased foot traffic, economic activity, and public events demand an enhanced safety and security posture.”

Other police divisions will follow the initiative using the same strategy in the coming days.

According to the TTPS, the operation includes four main pillars.

These include deploying high-visibility, intelligence-led patrols, maintaining traffic and public and utilising rapid response enabled by strong stakeholder collaboration.

The operation will be supported by divisional task forces, the Inter Agency Task Force (IATF), municipal policing units, OPSTAT monitoring and private sector security organisations.

The TTPS said its main priorities include reducing robberies, larceny and street crimes, ensuring the safety of shoppers, vendors, businesspersons and commuters, easing traffic congestion and responding quickly to incidents.

The public is encouraged to stay vigilant, secure personal belongings, use cash-in-transit services for large sums and stay aware of safety and traffic updates.

Any suspicious activity should be reported to the nearest police station or by calling 999 or 555.

Martin said, “The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is strategically deployed, coordinated, and operationally ready. We will safeguard public safety, protect commercial activity, and ensure security throughout the festive season. Criminal elements will find no comfort this Christmas and Carnival period.”