[UPDATED] Modern prison, security upgrades announced in budget

Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo said after a decade of record crime and neglect, the government is taking decisive action through a national safety strategy based on intelligence, technology and community engagement.

Speaking during the 2025/2026 national budget presentation, Tancoo outlined a series of national security enhancements.

This includes the recruitment of 500 new prison officers, the implementation of upgraded E999 systems to improve responsiveness, and the adoption of intelligence-led operations.

He said these initiatives form part of the government’s broader effort to build a more efficient and rehabilitative prison system.

The Ministry of Justice has been re-established to co-ordinate the justice chain.

Tancoo said the Home Invasion, Self-Defence, and Defence of Property Bill 2025 will criminalise home invasion and affirm citizens’ rights to defend themselves.

Additionally, a Judiciary Chancellor will be appointed to manage case flow, allowing the Chief Justice to focus on jurisprudence.

Courtrooms will be expanded in Chaguanas, Rio Claro and Sangre Grande, and a constitutional right to a timely trial will be enshrined in law.

Tancoo said victim support services will include restitution, job placement, and housing.

The offices of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and Public Defender will also be strengthened.

"For the first time, the administration of justice will be given the priority it so desperately needed but was so desperately lacking under the former government," he said.

He said the government has restored leadership to the police service through the appointment of a new Commissioner of Police (CoP).

On June 13, the House of Representatives unanimously supported the appointment of veteran police officer Allister Guevarro as the Top Cop, with his appointment taking effect on June 18.

Tancoo said 800 special reserve police officers have already been absorbed to support the DPP’s office, and 67 new police vehicles and expanded transit units have improved patrol reach.

The National Operations Centre is being reintegrated under the police service, and both municipal police and mobile units are being expanded. Updated E999 systems and intelligence-led operations are expected to improve response times.

Tancoo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a better prison system.

Correctional facilities are also being upgraded with improved sanitation, transport, and security features, including anti-drone technology and cell jammers. Besides new vehicles, thermal imaging equipment will boost national readiness.

Regarding the Port of Spain Prison, which will be decommissioned, Tancoo said it will be replaced by a modern correctional facility focused on rehabilitation over incarceration for non-violent offenders.

He said the government will reform firearm laws to promote responsible ownership and expand CCTV coverage, strengthen port security, and establish a forensic science complex and national security training centre at the UWI Debe campus.

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo announced a series of national security enhancements, including the recruitment of 500 new prison officers, the use of intelligence-led operations, and the implementation of upgraded E999 systems to improve responsiveness.

Speaking during the 2025/2026 national budget presentation, Tancoo said these initiatives are part of the government's broader effort to build a more efficient and rehabilitative prison system.

Facilities will receive sanitation, transport, and security upgrades. These include the introduction of anti-drone technology and cellphone jamming systems to curb illegal activity in and around the prisons.

Regarding the Port of Spain Prison, which will be decommissioned, Tancoo said it will be replaced by a modern correctional facility focused on rehabilitation.

The fire service will be strengthened with the addition of 280 auxiliary officers, 225 new breathing apparatuses, and upgraded infrastructure at select fire stations. New vehicles and thermal imaging equipment will also enhance operational readiness.

“We will reform firearm laws to promote responsible ownership and prioritise rehabilitation over incarceration for non-violent offenders,” Tancoo said.

Additional measures include the expansion of CCTV coverage to strengthen court security, the establishment of a forensic science complex, and the development of a national security training centre at the UWI Debe campus.