Trinidad and Tobago Police Service overtime reaches $793.89 million

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) paid approximately TT$793.89 million in overtime between January 2024 and August 2026, according to figures released via a Freedom of Information request. Records indicate that overtime spending in the first eight months of 2026 reached TT$283.19 million, surpassing the total amounts recorded for the full years of 2024 and 2025.

Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro defended the expenditure, citing a 22% shortage of officers and the need to maintain operational tempo. Guevarro noted that while overtime is currently necessary to support operations, an ongoing recruitment exercise is expected to reduce reliance on these payments in the future.

Former Commissioner Gary Griffith has raised concerns regarding the surge in spending, alleging that overtime abuse has resurfaced. Griffith stated that during his tenure, the service reduced overtime costs by approximately TT$100 million, which allowed for investments in equipment and specialized units without additional government funding.