PCA presents A blueprint for oversight that listens

THE Police Complaints Authority (PCA) has issued its newly published “strategic paper” titled A blueprint for oversight that listens, which contains policy lessons and operational strategies from the organisation’s response to migrant complaints in Trinidad and Tobago.

According to a media release of the announcement on October 9, the PCA said the paper outlines a bold and forward-thinking framework for strengthening police oversight in TT centred on transparency, accountability and meaningful public engagement.

“This blueprint reflects the PCA’s commitment to building trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve,” the statement said.

“It offers practical recommendations for improving investigative processes, enhancing institutional responsiveness, and fostering a culture of listening within oversight bodies.

The document (QR Codes) is available in both English and Spanish, which, according to the PCA, is to ensure “accessibility and inclusivity”, expanding its reach to a broader audience across the region.

Based on the information from the 24-page English version, the report looks at how police oversight works in TT with cases involving migrants.

It is based on 30 cases, 20 of which are closed and ten ongoing, handled by the PCA between 2017 and 2025.

The PCA highlights “key reforms” such as the addition of Spanish-speaking staff, providing live translation services, sharing regular public reports and training its team to be more trauma-aware and culturally sensitive.

It said TT has seen an influx of migrants, mainly from Venezuela, over the past ten years. Many of them come seeking refuge, protection, economic opportunity and stability.

Many individuals arrive without legal status or consistent access to state services, which often places them in vulnerable positions when interacting with law enforcement.

The report highlighted that TT, being part of international agreements, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), requires the country to protect all people, including migrants, from abuse and ensure fair treatment.

It added that PCA can only investigate cases that fall within its legal powers. If a case is outside its scope, it cannot act on it.

However, when dealing with migrant cases, the PCA balances its legal responsibilities with its human rights obligations and practical judgment.

It also spoke about two separate police-involved killings of migrants, a Venezuelan and a Cuban, in 2020.