TTMPS Head Denies Breach in Station Killing, Cites Staffing Issues

Questions are mounting regarding the security protocols at the San Fernando Municipal Police Station following a fatal incident that resulted in the death of a female officer and the theft of firearms and ammunition. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Surrendra Sagramsingh, head of the Trinidad and Tobago Municipal Police Service (TTMPS), has asserted that no regulations were violated during the incident.

“

There were five officers on duty, but remember they have to post them officers on different duties, in and out. So, there were five officers. Seven officers were actually rostered, but there were five.

Sagramsingh clarified that while seven officers were rostered for duty, five were present, and crucially, he maintained that there were "no less than three (officers) at any one point in time" at the station. He explained that officers are often outposted for patrols and other duties, which can affect the number present at the station at specific moments. However, he stressed that the minimum requirement of three officers on duty was met.

The TTMPS leadership acknowledged that the service is not operating at its optimal strength, citing attrition—resignations, retirements, and people moving to the regular police service—as the primary reason for manpower shortages. This situation impacts the ability to adequately staff stations, with the ideal being 100 officers per station, a benchmark that most, except Port of Spain, do not meet.

“

There were no less than three (officers) at any one point in time.

Despite these challenges, Sagramsingh defended the adherence to protocols, stating that shift variations and rostering are based on available strength. He emphasized that best practice dictates a minimum of three officers to ensure safety, preventing a single officer from being left alone either inside or outside the station. The investigation into the breach and the subsequent theft is ongoing, with Sagramsingh promising transparency while also cautioning against divulging operational details that could compromise future security measures.

“

Over time, we have not recruited for a while, and people resigned to go into the police service; people might resign to get a better work; people would have retired; people would be on leave, so it could have created some shortages over time.

From a Trinidad and Tobago perspective, this incident raises serious concerns about the safety and security of law enforcement personnel and the potential for criminal elements to exploit vulnerabilities within the system. The TTMPS's assurances, while intended to quell public anxiety, are being scrutinized against the backdrop of admitted staffing issues. The public's expectation is for a thorough investigation that not only identifies any lapses but also implements robust measures to prevent future occurrences, ensuring the safety of officers and the community.

“

You can’t leave one person in the station, and you can’t send one person outside to deal with anything. When you have three people, and we’re talking about to just remain in the station, you can’t do nothing. So, if somebody has to go outside of the compound, ideally you have four and more persons.