The Bill seeks to establish policing districts within Trinidad and Tobago and to provide for the conduct of special operations to combat criminality in those districts. The Bill provides for the conduct of special operations by police officers with or without military assistance from members of the Defence Force. It empowers the Commissioner of Police (“the Commissioner”) to designate Heads of Special Operations in each district. The Chief of Defence Staff is also empowered to appoint Heads of Military Assistance in each district. All police officers conducting special operations, and all members of the Defence Force providing military assistance, are to be trained in human rights, the use of force, community engagement and conflict de‑escalation. The Bill also requires the submission of monthly reports on special operations and the provision of military assistance to the Prime Minister, the Minister with responsibility for the Police Service (“the Minister”) and the Minister with responsibility for defence. The Bill further requires that the Prime Minister lay an annual report on special operations and the provision of military assistance before Parliament. Additionally, the Bill mandates the creation of joint protocols and separate standard operating procedures to guide collaboration between police officers and members of the Defence Force in the conduct of special operations and the provision of military assistance.
The Bill as introduced will come into effect upon proclamation.
