trinidad and tobago 2012 crime and safety report

7/30/2019 Trinidad and Tobago 2012 Crime and Safety Report

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Trinidad and Tobago 2012 Crime and Safety ReportMurder; Assault; Theft; Stolen items; Rape/Sexual Violence; Kidnapping; Financial Security; Surveillance;

Transportation Security; Coup d'etats; Drug Trafficking; Earthquakes; Religious TerrorismWestern Hemisphere > Trinidad and Tobago > Port of Spain11/30/2012Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Crime Threats

The U.S. Department of State has rated crime in Trinidad and Tobago as HIGH. Violent crime is a concern for the

local security services and the general population. There were 354 murders in 2011, 480 murders in 2010, 508

murders in 2009, 550 (record high) murders in 2008, and 391 in 2007 out of a population of approximately 1.3 million

people. Although statistics suggest crime may be decreasing overall, crime levels in certain areas of Port of Spain

continue to be high. The murder rate continues to be driven primarily by gang- and drug-related activities. Crimes

related to economic gain, sexual assault, and domestic violence continue to plague the country.

Most crimes are crimes of opportunity. American citizens have been victims of pickpocketing, assault, theft/robbery,

fraud, and murder. However, there is no evidence to indicate that foreigners, specifically the expatriate communities,

are being targeted, though crimes have occurred in areas frequented by tourists.

In late 2011, the government of Trinidad and Tobago (GOTT) implemented a State of Emergency (SoE) to deal with

what they deemed as specific and emerging threats. Along with the SoE was a curfew in particular areas of the

country. During the SoE, the murder rate was greatly reduced, contributing the low number of murders for 2011.

The majority of violent criminal activity (i.e., homicides, kidnappings, assaults, sexual assaults etc.) in Trinidad is

gang/drug related or domestic in nature. A significant and growing portion of this violence is attributed to the influenceof gangs, illegal narcotics, and firearms. As in other countries, it appears that many crimes go unreported. Further,

there are instances in which crimes are reported but not documented. Most reported crimes occur within the

metropolitan areas of Port of Spain and San Fernando. As for the sister-island of Tobago, crimes of murder, home

invasion, petty theft, and hustling continue to affect tourists, including theft of large sums of cash and passports taken

from hotels rooms. In particular, several violent home invasions have targeted well -to-do homes and villas sometimes

rented to tourists on vacation.

Road Safety

Traveling on the roads in Trinidad and Tobago in general can be safe, though there continue to be a relatively highnumber of traffic fatalities. The GOTT has passed legislation to allow host nation law enforcement to utilize

breathalyzers to reduce the number of drunk driving relating fatalities and to create Traffic Wardens to monitor traffic

safety throughout the country. They have also passed legislation making it illegal to talk on cell phones while driving.

Political Violence

Historical Perspective


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The radical Muslim organization -- Jamaat al- Muslimeen (JAM), which is locally based -- was responsible for a

violent, unsuccessful coup attempt in July 1990. Since the 1990 coup attempt, JAM and its leaders have focused on

Islamic education and a number of business ventures but have been linked publicly to serious crimes, including

murder, and to alleged get-out-the-vote irregularities during national political campaigns. Meanwhile, the government

continues to seek restitution against JAM for damages associated with the 1990 coup attempt.

Regional Terrorism and Organized Crime

Over 100 criminal gangs have been identified in Trinidad and Tobago, and these gangs, as well as other

organizations, have been linked to crimes related to weapons smuggling, fraud, and other organized criminal

activities. Radical elements are thought occasionally to make contact with individuals and groups with possible

terrorist ties around the world, and given the crime rate and some weak aspects of border control, there remains a

continued concern that Trinidad and Tobago could be utilized as a transit point for potential terrorists or terrorist

organizations.

There are no known indigenous terrorist groups operating in Trinidad and Tobago.

International Terrorism or Transnational Terrorism

The relatively porous borders of Trinidad and Tobago allow the country to be utilized as routes for drugs and

weapons trafficking, and it is possible that organizations could use similar routes for terrorist-related activities.

Civil Unrest

Trinidad has remained mostly peaceful since the attempted coup of 1990, with periodic demonstrations by laborunions over salary negotiations, tax structures, and other issues involving public resources or government operations.

Some political demonstrations do become violent with the occasional clash with the police. Immediately after

September 11, 2001, JAM members and others protested in public venues regarding U.S. policy on the war on

terrorism. In one particular protest in Port of Spain during 2001, the American flag was burned.

Post-Specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

Trinidad and Tobago has been shaken by moderate earthquakes in the recent past, and larger earthquakes have hitthe islands in the more distant past. The islands are also considered below the hurricane belt, though some storms

have passed close by. Inadequate infrastructure and drainage and heavy rains occasionally cause flooding in certain

urban areas and landslides that can block remote roads.

Industrial and Transportation Accidents

Industrial accidents are not a significant concern, but a concern relative to the general safety in Trinidad is the


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possible disruption of utility services, caused by industrial action groups and non-violent demonstrations by labor

organizations. The risk of serious vehicular traffic accidents, including accidents causing death, is moderate to high,

particularly at night.

Kidnappings

Kidnapping for ransom continues to be a problem in Trinidad. There were five in 2011, four in 2010, eight in 2009,

and 17 in 2008. The police service has worked diligently to resolve all four cases from 2010 and have made arrests in

each case.

Drug and Narco-terrorism

Like many cities throughout the world, Port of Spain experiences the effects of persons addicted to i llicit drugs.

Trinidad continues to be viewed as transshipment point for illicit drugs, and drug-related crimes are a significant part

of the overall crime picture.

Police Response

The GOTT is making a sincere effort at combating crime. Foreigners who are crime victims can expect to be treated

and assisted with the same level of cooperation and fairness as that given to a local citizen. An overburdened legal

system, bureaucratic resistance to change, unemployment in marginal areas, the negative influence of gangs and a

growing illegal narcotics industry, create significant barriers.

In response to concerns of the general populace, the GOTT has provided the police service with new, tangible

support in the form of additional police cruisers, renovations of several police stations, and recruitment of new

officers. The new commissioner of police has implemented a plan aimed at changing the way the police serviceresponds to crime and criminals. The change is suppose to bring about proactive policing and faster police response

to calls for service.

The GOTT is in the process of reorganizing the Special Anti-Crime Unit of Trinidad and Tobago (SAUTT), a unit

created in 2003 in response to the crime situation and plans to place some of its resources directly under the police

service.

How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment

U.S. citizens detained or arrested by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service should be given the opportunity tocontact friends or family. Take this opportunity to contact the U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain immediately, at 622-

6371. Harassment is not common with foreigners, but should it occur you should report the incident to U.S.

government authorities.

Where to Turn for Assistance if you Become a Victim of a Crime and Local Police Telephone Numbers

Police stations are located throughout the country. Police response may be obtained by phoning 999. However,


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response time can be sporadic due to a lack of resources, specifically vehicles and manpower.

Medical Emergencies

In the event of a medical emergency, readily available assistance (ambulance service) can be reached in Trinidad by

dialing 811.

Contact Information for Local Hospitals and Clinics

Seventh Day Adventists Centre: (868)622-1191

San Fernando General Hospital: (868)652-3581

St. Clair Medical Centre: (868)628-1451

Port of Spain General Hospital: (868)623-2951

Tobago Regional Hospital: (868)639-2551

Complex, Mt. Hope: (868)645-2640

Tips on How to Avoid Becoming a Victim

The crime threat in Port of Spain is high, and crime continues be the principal threat to visitors. The following

precautions should be taken when traveling in Trinidad and Tobago.

Do not travel with valuable items. When traveling carry travelers checks and major credit cards, not large amounts of

cash. There are several banks in the metropolitan areas. Dispensed money can either be in local currency or US

dollars, depending on the machine. Check the machine before use as some machines do not accept foreign cards

and will either reject or retain the card without warning. Getting the bank card back can be difficult.

If possible, do not travel alone after dark, and do not walk in isolated areas at night. Carry your belongings in a secure

manner and be alert/aware of your surroundings, especially when in crowds. Do not leave valuables unattended on

deserted beaches, and place articles in your vehicles trunk before arriving at your destination. Do not stop your car if

you are flagged down along the road; hitchhikers are usually hustlers and can be threatening. Criminals are also

known to follow travelers from the airport to their destination.

Common Scams

Visitors to local hotels have reported the theft of items from their rooms. While not common during daylight hours,

robberies and petty theft have also been reported.

The use of maxi taxis and gypsy taxis are not recommended because of poor condition of the vehicle and the

unreliability of the drivers. It has also been reported that individuals have been robbed while traveling in maxi/gypsy

taxis, sometimes with the collusion of the drivers.

Areas of Town to be Avoided


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To the extent possible, the areas of Laventille, Sea Lots, and Cocorite should be avoided. All isolated areas and

public beaches should be avoided after dark.

Further Information

In the event of an emergency during business hours (7:30am 4:00pm), the U.S. Embassy operator can assist

American travelers in contacting the American Citizen Services (ACS) officers in the consular section. After business

hours and on weekend and holidays, the U.S. Embassy Marine Security Guard can assist American travelers in

contacting the embassys Duty Officer for assistance. The Marine Security Guard is there to assist in emergency

situations only. All other calls should be placed during normal embassy business hours.

Embassy Contact Numbers

US Embassy: (868) 622-6371

Emergency Only: (868) 622-6682

Marine Post One: (868) 822-5999

OSAC Country Council

The Department of State and Embassy Port of Spain supports an active OSAC Council, with a growing membership.

Regional Security Officer Jennifer McHugh is the point of contact and can be reached at (868) 822-5915.

trinidad and tobago 2012 crime and safety report

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