Social media surveillance coming

In 2020 the T&T Police Service (TTPS) will create a centre with the capacity to monitor and analyse social media activity via the use of surveillance systems, and the TTPS will also get the Armoured Personnel Carriers which Police Commissioner Gary Griffith had advocated since he was the National Security Minister under the People’s Partnership regime.
This and other information on TTPS’ plans for 2020 are contained in the 2020 Public Sector Investment plan (PSIP) and Development Programme.
These reports were part of 2020 Budget documents laid in Parliament on Monday.
The TTPS received approximately $2.6B in the 2020 Budget – an increase from $2.2b in 2019.
Police officers said yesterday such an initiative like a social media analysis centre has the potential to greatly assist TTPS systems, providing material on a wide range of issues from incidents of crime and terrorism to cross border issues contributing to crime.
In 2020 TTPS will be expanding its fleet from 1,668 to 1,900 vehicles.
The PSIP stated, “This increased mobility will improve TTPS’ efficiency and effectiveness by improving the level of service provided to citizens, increased police visibility nationwide and improved operational capability throughout the organisation.”
“An allocation of $30 million will assist TTPS in purchasing the following types of vehicles: Sport Utility Sedan, Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), and Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).
Griffith had advocated the use of APCs since 2014 when he was the PP Government’s National Security Minister. APCs are built to transport protective services/troops and are geared for self-defence and to protect passengers from small-arms fire or shrapnel.