The Special Operations Bill 2026 will be brought before the Parliament, as part of Government’s fight against crime.
Prime Minister Kama Persad-Bissessar told the Lower House this afternoon that the bill will establish policing districts where officers may conduct special operations, supported by the Defence Force where necessary.
The Police Commissioner will appoint a Head of Special Operations for each district, while the Chief of Defence Staff will appoint a Head of Military Assistance wherever Defence Force support is required.
According to the PM, other provisions include:
- Where violent crime, gang activity or illegal weapons pose a serious threat and ordinary policing is insufficient, a defined area may be temporarily closed.
- Within that area, the authorities may establish cordons, impose curfews, regulate entry and departure, and exercise enhanced powers of search, seizure, arrest and detention, subject to judicial oversight.
The Prime Minister insisted the measures will target criminals, not punish law-abiding residents, adding that they were necessary to preserve the gains made during the State of Emergency.
Mrs Persad-Bissessar also insisted that there will be no two-tiered justice system.
Previously, the Zones of Special Operations Bill failed to make it though the Parliament, as a Special Majority was needed for it to pass.
According to the PM, amendments have been made and this time around, only a simple majority vote is needed for the Special Operations Bill
Debate will begin on Friday.
