Kamla Persad-Bissessar unveils Special Operations Bill to combat crime

As the State of Emergency (SoE) expires, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has unveiled the Special Operations Bill (SOB), 2026. This proposed legislation aims to provide a permanent legal framework for targeted operations against gangs, illegal weapons, and drug trafficking. Unlike the previous Zones of Special Operations (ZOSO) Bill, the SOB can be passed with a simple majority in Parliament.

The Prime Minister stated that the legislation will establish policing districts and enhanced search powers to ensure criminals find “no sanctuary.” The bill follows consultations with the National Security Council and is intended to prevent criminal organizations from regaining territory once emergency measures end.

Criminologist Dr. Randy Seepersad has advised that post-SoE policing should focus on sustaining effective strategies such as targeted firearm investigations and increased police visibility. He emphasized the importance of the ZOSO model for concentrated deployment and stressed that law enforcement must be paired with social interventions and a focus on those who finance organized crime.