00:00The TTPS's latest performance appraisal compares the police service's results for January to September 2026 with the corresponding periods in
00:092025 and 2024.
00:11The report records 265 homicides so far this year, compared with 275 during the same period in 2025 and 475
00:21in 2024.
00:22The TTPS says that represents a 3.6% reduction compared with 2025 and a 44.2% reduction compared
00:31with 2024.
00:33The police service says the 265 homicides are the lowest recorded for the January to September period since 2007 and
00:42lower than the corresponding figure in 20 of the previous 25 years.
00:46Serious reported crime also declined with 7,593 reports recorded between January and September, a 13.3% reduction compared
00:57with 2025 and a 17.3% reduction compared with 2024.
01:02There were also fewer road traffic accidents with 13,324 reported during the period, down 36.8% from 2025.
01:14Fatal road traffic accidents declined by 27.2% compared with the same period last year.
01:20However, the appraisal records increases in some categories.
01:24Reports of kidnapping for ransom rose from 6 to 7, while reported sexual offences and fraud also increased.
01:30The TTPS attributes the increases in sexual offences and fraud to greater reporting of these crimes.
01:37In a statement accompanying the appraisal, Commissioner Alistair Guevaro said,
01:42Accountability cannot mean reporting only when the figures are favourable.
01:46If I am required to account for the performance of the police service to the state,
01:50then I believe the public whom we serve should also be given a clear and measurable account for our performance.
01:56The figures demonstrate progress, but progress is not victory.
02:00Where we are improving, we will say so.
02:03Where we are falling short or require greater effort, we will say so with equal candour.
02:09Commenting on the appraisal, former Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith says,
02:13Any reduction in crime is good news for Trinidad and Tobago and should be welcomed,
02:17but crime statistics alone do not tell us whether the police service is performing effectively.
02:23Griffith says public fear and perception of crime along with public trust and confidence in the police service and its
02:29leadership are also important measures.
02:32He points to a Police Service Commission survey which he says found that 8% of respondents believed the police
02:38were doing a good job in dealing with crime.
02:41Griffith contrasts that with what he says was a 59% public trust and confidence rating recorded toward the end
02:48of his tenure as Commissioner.
02:49Dominic Ramroop, TV6 News.
02:52Dominic Ramroop, TV6 News.
02:52Dominic Ramroop, TV6 News.
