Dear Editor: The TTPS’ return to grey and blue uniforms is a move in the right direction

“[…] Over the last 10 years or so, junior police officers—some of whom may be still on probation—can be often seen wearing a blue operational jacket and black pants while on duty. 

“[…] In my view, this drop in the standard of dress—which has been allowed for years even before the operational wear became official—has caused a decline in discipline in the TTPS and a waning in respect from the public…”

The following Letter to the Editor on a proposed wardrobe change by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) was submitted to Wired868 by Roger Mohammed of Oropune Gardens, Piarco:

Photo: Police recruits enjoy a toast at their graduation ceremony in 2021.
(via TTPS)

The Acting Commissioner of Police, Mr Mc Donald Jacob, stated in his media conference on Tuesday 16 August 2022 that police officers will be instructed to wear their grey and blue uniforms with a view to blocking imposters. 

Seeing a police officer smartly dressed in a crisply starched grey shirt, a well-pressed blue trousers with a well slicked boots on the streets is like finding an oasis in a desert. 

Over the last 10 years or so, junior police officers—some of whom may be still on probation—can be often seen wearing a blue operational jacket and black pants while on duty. Although this operational wear is now an official uniform in the TTPS, it doesn’t lend itself to the same neatness and professionalism of the grey shirt and blue trousers. 

Many officers donning the operational gear do not even wear their police caps in public, which is considered to be improperly dressed. Further, the operational kit can be easily duplicated, as expressed by the Commissioner.

Photo: An armed TTPS patrol.
(via TTPS)

While the operational garb has its purpose and is more practical to wear while performing certain duties, the fact remains that grey and blue is still the patrol order for officers of the afore-mentioned ranks. 

In my view, this drop in the standard of dress—which has been allowed for years even before the operational wear became official—has caused a decline in discipline in the TTPS and a waning in respect from the public. 

Interestingly, most female police officers in the above mentioned ranks wear their correct uniforms and cannot be faulted in this regard. However, the male police officers tend to shun the grey and blue. 

I long to see police officers smartly turned out in their grey shirts and blue trousers so that they can regain the admiration and respect from members of the public as has happened in the past.

More from Wired868
Dear Editor: The 2026 Budget ignores the elephant in the room: the US-Venezuela conflict!

“[…] While the government has made much of fiscal consolidation and social spending, it has left precious little fiscal or Read more

Dear Editor: Promises kept, lives changed: The 2026 Budget delivers

“[…] Yes, the tone of the budget is firm and unapologetic. It calls out past failures and demands accountability. Some Read more

Daly Bread: Gopaul v Seepaul—T&T needs effective consequence management

Recently, the Attorney General, Senator John Jeremie SC, announced that the State had decided to discontinue an appeal against a Read more

Dear Editor: Diversification, not the Dragon, is key for T&T’s economic survival—but here’s why it has eluded us

“[…] The Ministry of Finance website provides budget statements from 2002 onwards. Diversification is mentioned in each budget statement. All Read more

Dear Editor: How incompetence of T&TEC—and other essential services—impoverishes T&T

“[…] The frustration in Greenvale, however, runs deeper than a single Sunday blackout. The community already feels utterly abandoned. The Read more

Dear Editor: “Evidence-based decision-making” can transform T&T from “underachievers’ paradise”

“[…] Now, Trinidad and Tobago is a shadow of its former self, undermined by a lack of innovative leadership, perceived Read more

Check Also

Dear Editor: The 2026 Budget ignores the elephant in the room: the US-Venezuela conflict!

“[…] While the government has made much of fiscal consolidation and social spending, it has …

One comment

  1. Great Observation
    I myself a retired officer up to yesterday on a chat group had this same discussion
    Hope the comissioner and the Minister if National Security take heed and ensure that the police uniform Blue and Grey must be worn

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.