The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) Wednesday officially launched ‘Operation Festive Shield’ which it described as a nationwide security initiative designed to safeguard citizens, businesses, and visitors throughout the 2025 Christmas season and the Carnival 2026 period.
Trinidad and Tobago is under a state of emergency (SoE) that ends in January next year. So far this year, more than 300 people have been murdered. Last year, the country recorded 624 murders.
The TTPS said that the operation commenced in the capital, 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. It said other police divisions will follow with phased operational rollouts in the coming days, utilizing the same strategic framework and coordinated standards.
The TTPS said that ‘Operation Festive Shield’ is built on four primary pillars, namely increased foot and mobile patrols, strategic placement in shopping districts, transport hubs, entertainment zones, and public gathering areas, as well as targeted operations against repeat offenders and emerging criminal threats using real-time intelligence.
It will also involve joint coordination with municipal police, traffic units, and event organizers to maintain safe and efficient movement of people and vehicles and ongoing collaboration with businesses, security partners, and community stakeholders supported by rapid information sharing and police response.
The TTPS said it will prioritise reduction of robberies, larceny, and opportunistic street crimes, safety of shoppers, vendors, business operators, and commuters, traffic decongestion and pedestrian safety and rapid police response to incidents.
The police say they were urging citizens stay vigilant and safeguard their personal belongings, utilise secure cash-in-transit services when handling large sums and report suspicious activity immediately.
‘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,’ the police added.