In our continued efforts to help enhance rule of law and improve citizen security in Trinidad and Tobago, the United States provided nearly $750,000 to redevelop a historic building at the TTPS Academy. The new crime scene simulation facility will enable investigators to hone their skills in typical environments where crime occurs, including a home and a bank. This investment will contribute to additional arrests, better collection of evidence, and more successful prosecutions. Chargé d’Affaires Shante Moore formally handed over the facility to the TTPS during a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 3.
Chargé d’Affaires Shante Moore, Minister of National Security Stuart Young, and Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith all provided remarks at the handover ceremony. Chargé Moore stated: “Police work is not easy. It is stressful, dangerous, and often goes unrecognized, but it is essential to the functioning of our societies. Those charged to uphold the law must be of strong moral character, receive the most up-to-date training and equipment, and hold each other accountable. The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service can count on the U.S. Embassy to do what we can to support your efforts to counter criminal threats and keep the public safe while promoting greater accountability, oversight, and respect for the rights of all Trinbagonians.”
The United States has provided over $10 million in security assistance to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago in the last five years. This assistance includes training, mentoring, equipment, and even working canines to help build the crime-fighting capacity of the police service and defense forces.