00:00Deputy Commissioner of Police Suzette Martin says investigators are examining possible gang connections involving some persons detained under the state
00:08of emergency.
00:09However, she says it was still too early in the emergency period to determine whether any gang leaders are among
00:16those arrested.
00:17We are doing investigation in terms of gang activity, so at this time I cannot pronounce that they are gang
00:24leaders.
00:24She did confirm that about four persons who had been held under the previous SOE are in custody.
00:30She says the TTPS has activated a national command structure to coordinate policing operations during the emergency period.
00:39Under that structure, Martin has been assigned the role of gold commander, responsible for the strategic oversight of police operations
00:46across the country.
00:48The declaration of a state of emergency is not taken lightly.
00:52It is a serious national intervention implemented when the safety of our citizens and the stability of our communities require
01:04decisive action.
01:07This measure is intended to restore order, disrupt organized criminal networks, and protect law-abiding citizens across Trinidad and Tobago.
01:21Police have also launched what they are calling Operation Steady Guard, a national crime suppression strategy targeting violent offenders, illegal
01:30firearms, and organized drug trafficking networks.
01:33Martin says the operation focuses on intelligence-led policing, targeted enforcement exercises, and coordinated patrols across all divisions.
01:43Operation Steady Guard is designed to apply sustained intelligence-driven pressure against violent criminal networks with a particular focus on
01:57known gang members and criminal organizations,
02:01individuals involved involved in violent offenses, illegal firearms possession, and trafficking, organized drug trafficking networks.
02:14According to the police service, officers have conducted 943 operations since the emergency measures came into effect.
02:22Those exercises resulted in 373 arrests and 66 charges being laid.
02:3039 persons were also detained under preventative detention orders, with 16 of those orders approved so far.
02:37Police say they have also recovered 18 firearms and 949 rounds of ammunition.
02:43Officers additionally seized 720 grams of cocaine, more than 230 kilograms of marijuana, 88 marijuana trees, and 1.45 grams
02:54of ecstasy.
02:55The deputy commissioner also sought to reassure residents in areas such as Sangre Grandi and other parts of the Eastern
03:02Division that increased police activity there is intelligence-driven.
03:07Martin added that while police operations will continue across the country, the public can expect officers to be held to
03:15strict standards during this state of emergency,
03:18with oversight mechanisms remaining in place to investigate any reports of misconduct.
03:24Alexander Broussou, TV6 News.
