Fire Suppression System Rupture Causes Significant Damage to Secured Records in Trinidad and Tobago Police Service

Strategic Insights -

A rupture in the fire suppression system on the sixth floor of the administration building of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has resulted in significant damage to several secured records, including firearm users licence (FUL). The incident occurred following a series of power outages and fire alarm activations across multiple floors of the building. The affected files were stored in a designated secure room, but the flooding rendered many physical records irrecoverable.

The issuance of FUL by the TTPS has become a major public debate issue, with former police commissioner Gary Griffith defending the practice and a retired Court of Appeal judge describing it as a "thriving well-oiled white collar criminal enterprise." Retired Appeal Court judge Stanley John had recommended a police probe into several matters raised during his investigation and stated that the system for processing applications for FULs is highly dysfunctional and ripe for corrupt practices.

Key Takeaways:

  • The fire suppression system ruptured on the sixth floor of the TTPS administration building, causing significant damage to secured records, including FULs.
  • The incident occurred following a series of power outages and fire alarm activations across multiple floors of the building.
  • Digital records of each FUL application exist, but they do not include digital copies of the original submitted documents.
  • The TTPS has accelerated the digitization of the FUL application process to enable secure online document uploads and prevent future vulnerabilities.
  • The Commissioner of Police, Allister Guevarro, is examining the damaged files and will publish a list of those destroyed in the mishap.
  • Applicants whose records were destroyed will be asked to contact the Firearms Permit Unit to assist in the reconciliation and recreation of their records.
  • The names and addresses of applicants will be withheld for privacy and security reasons, and only FUL File numbers will be utilised.

Statistics:

  • 25,000 FUL applications are currently in backlog.
  • The new digital application system is scheduled for rollout in the coming weeks.
  • Digital copies of the affected HR and Administrative documents were backed up on the TTPS's servers.
  • The TTPS has accelerated the digitization of the FUL application process.

Sources:

  • Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS)
  • Statement by the TTPS regarding the fire suppression system rupture and affected FUL records
  • Report by Retired Appeal Court judge Stanley John on the enquiry into allegations of corruption in the issuance of FULs
  • Court documents relating to the judicial review of the delay in the decision-making process for FULs by former police commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher.