TTPS Overtime Bill Nears $800 Million, Prompting Calls For Independent Audit

Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander defended nearly $800 million in police overtime, saying past failures to recruit enough officers and provide resources left the Police Service overburdened. He also rejected claims that senior officers were collecting overtime, saying first division officers do not work it. The spending, which hit $283.19 million by August this year, has raised questions about staffing and results.

TTPS Commissioner Allister Guevarro defended nearly $800 million in overtime payments, saying the figure covers two years and reflects a 22% officer shortage that has forced the service to sustain operations and crime reduction. Attorney Keron Ramkhalwhan, who requested the figures under FOIA, said the police chief was deflecting scrutiny and urged better use of existing personnel and public funds.

Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro defended nearly $794 million in TTPS overtime paid from January 2024 to August 2026, saying it was necessary to keep operations high amid a 22% officer shortage and falling crime. His remarks follow calls for an independent audit after a Freedom of Information request raised concerns about accountability and how overtime is managed.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has defended nearly $794 million paid in police overtime since January 2024, saying TTPS officers “earned every dollar” through work that helped reduce crime and murders. The spending has drawn scrutiny after overtime hit $283.19 million by August 2026, with attorney Keron Ramkhalwhan calling for an independent audit and greater accountability.

TTPS paid $793.9 million in overtime to officers from January 2024 to August 2026, with $283.2 million already spent in the first eight months of 2026, exceeding full-year totals for 2024 and 2025. The Guard and Emergency Branch led overtime spending each year, while Deputy Commissioner Junior Benjamin said the costs reflect manpower shortages and heavy security demands.

Former national security minister Marvin Gonzales has criticised the TTPS for spending nearly $800 million on overtime over the past two years and eight months, saying taxpayers are not seeing better crime results. He warned the state of emergency and expanded police posts are driving costs higher while straining officers’ health.

Attorney Keron Ramkhalwhan is calling for an independent audit of overtime in the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service after FOI disclosures showed nearly $794 million paid to officers between January 2024 and August 2026. He says the rising bill raises concerns about staffing, accountability and how overtime is authorised and managed, and wants the Police Service Commission or government to investigate.

Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro defended the TTPS’s reported $800 million overtime bill, saying the force is understaffed and officers worked extended hours during three states of emergency between 2024 and 2026. Former commissioner Gary Griffith countered that he cut overtime abuse by about $100 million and accused the current leadership of letting costs rise again.

Trinidad and Tobago Police Service overtime payments have reached $793.9 million from January 2024 to August 2026, with $283.2 million already spent in the first eight months of 2026, surpassing all of 2025. The rise comes after two States of Emergency and ahead of new Special Operations legislation, raising concerns that costs could climb further. Deputy Commissioner Junior Benjamin blamed staffing shortages and said overtime must be balanced against crime reduction gains.

Trinidad and Tobago Police Service overtime payouts reached $793.9 million over 32 months, with payments rising from $233.9 million in 2024 to $283.2 million in the first eight months of this year. Attorney Keron Ramkhalwhan is calling for an independent audit, saying the growing bill raises questions about TTPS staffing and overtime management.