00:00Police in the Southern Division say serious crime detection has improved this year with
00:05investigators solving more than half of all major cases reported between January and July.
00:11Speaking at a divisional media briefing on Wednesday, Assistant Superintendent Joel Forbes
00:17said violent crime has declined by 10 percent compared to the same period last year. However,
00:23homicides have increased from 18 to 21, while wounding is also recorded a slight rise.
00:29Police say firearms continue to be the weapon most frequently used in serious crimes,
00:34prompting targeted operations aimed at removing illegal guns from communities.
00:40Those efforts resulted in the seizure of 49 firearms during the review period,
00:45significantly higher than the number recovered during the same period last year.
00:50Forbes also reported an increase in police enforcement activity, including the execution
00:55of hundreds of outstanding warrants and several recent operations across the division.
01:01He said officers continue to rely on intelligence-led policing, community engagement,
01:06and high-visibility patrols to reduce crime and improve public safety.
01:11During a question-and-answer session, Senior Superintendent Owee Russell declined to comment in detail
01:17on reports of a threat against Commissioner of Police Solista Guevara and members of his family,
01:22saying information would be released when appropriate.
01:25Russell also confirmed that investigations aren't going into the leaked audio recording,
01:30allegedly involving Genevieve Hadid and Star Sabga.
01:34Police also addressed concerns about illegal cross-border movement following recent incidents involving
01:41Venezuelan nationals.
01:43Officials say the TTPS, with support from the Coast Guard,
01:46continues to monitor and secure Trinidad and Tobago's borders.
01:51Alicia Boucher, TV6 News.
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