President Christine Kangaloo Proclaims Special Operations Act, Bringing New Crime-Fighting Powers Into Force

A woman who spent six months detained without charge during the State of Emergency says new Special Operations laws could allow the same thing again, after reading provisions for arrest and extended detention in declared closed areas. Some Tunapuna residents welcomed tougher action against crime, but others warned that lockdowns could hurt working people and small businesses.

Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro said the TTPS has identified areas for intensified operations under the Special Operations Act, but he would not name the communities to avoid alerting suspects. The new law allows “closed areas” with curfews, checkpoints and warrantless searches, while the police service also plans to expand micro police units based on crime data and needs budget support.

President Christine Kangaloo has proclaimed the Special Operations Act, 2026, bringing into force new powers for police and, in some cases, the Defence Force to target violent crime, gangs and illegal weapons in designated areas across Trinidad and Tobago. Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander said the operations will be carried out with secrecy and “surprise,” warning criminals the law will act against them while government says safeguards and oversight remain in place.

President Christine Kangaloo has proclaimed October 6 as the date the Special Operations Act, 2026, fully took effect, allowing the Government to begin special operations across Trinidad and Tobago. The law lets authorities declare “closed areas” with curfews, checkpoints, road closures and warrantless searches in certain cases, but key details on permits and where operations will start remain unclear.

President Christine Kangaloo has proclaimed the Special Operations Act, 2026, which creates policing districts across Trinidad and Tobago and allows special operations to target criminal activity in those areas. The law also sets rules for police-led operations with possible Defence Force support, including joint protocols and separate operating procedures for cooperation.