Wired868 Wired868 for smart sport news and opinion
“[…] Some teachers have already expressed support for a police presence, noting that officers are not bound by the Ministry’s slow disciplinary matrix and, therefore, can act more decisively to curb the spiralling student misconduct.
“[…] A primary concern is the negative psychological impact on students. NPTA’s caveat is that the presence of armed officers ‘sends a worrying message and signals the perception that students are criminals’, which can create anxiety and disrupt learning.
“[…] Furthermore, research from international contexts suggests that armed officers in schools can lead to increased punitive disciplinary actions like suspensions and arrests. This often disproportionately impacts students from economically disadvantaged communities and at-risk youth, potentially fuelling a ‘school-to-prison pipeline’…”
(via MoE.)
The following Letter to the Editor on the Government’s decision to deploy armed police officers in some schools was submitted to Wired868 by Salaah Inniss of Santa Rosa Heights, Arima:
As the new school year (2025–2026) begins, the recent decision by the Government to deploy armed police officers in “high-risk” schools—primary and secondary—has ignited intense debate among educators, parents, civil society and legislators.
While the initiative aims to address the growing concerns about student violence and indiscipline, it raises significant questions about safety, sanctity, learning environments, and the potential for unintended consequences.
Photo: Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868.
There are proponents who argue that armed officers can provide a critical layer of security.
The Government has, therefore, designated about 50 secondary schools as high-risk based on factors like documented patterns of violence, external threats, and recommendations from law enforcement and even student support services.
Police officials contend that officers would be equipped to handle potential threats by stating that firearms are a normal “tool of trade” for police and essential for protecting students, teachers, and themselves against armed intruders.
Photo: Office of the Parliament 2025.
The government, in an attempt to justify this plan, has also cited international models, noting that countries like the US, Canada, and the UK station officers in schools in full operational kit, and argues this presence is a proactive safeguard for learning.
I wonder if all the school shootings in the US were taken into account?
Some teachers have already expressed support for a police presence, noting that officers are not bound by the Ministry’s slow disciplinary matrix and, therefore, can act more decisively to curb the spiralling student misconduct.
Despite these arguments, the dangers and drawbacks are substantial.
Education stakeholders, including the National Parent Teacher Association (NPTA) and the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA), have strongly rejected the presence of armed officers.
A primary concern is the negative psychological impact on students. NPTA’s caveat is that the presence of armed officers “sends a worrying message and signals the perception that students are criminals”, which can create anxiety and disrupt learning.
(via Ministry of Education.)
Whereas the TTUTA president, Martin Lum Kin, fears it could make schools feel like prisons, undermining the sense of safety rather than enhancing it.
The risk of accidental escalation is another grave danger. This may sound hyperbolic, but my question is what might happen if an assailant enters the compound?
A shootout ensues, potentially harming innocent bystanders or, heaven forbid, killing a child or many children? Or some on-duty officer with an underlying mental disorder decides to run amok?
Furthermore, research from international contexts suggests that armed officers in schools can lead to increased punitive disciplinary actions like suspensions and arrests.
This often disproportionately impacts students from economically disadvantaged communities and at-risk youth, potentially fuelling a “school-to-prison pipeline”.
The initiative has begun with the deployment of specially trained Special Reserve Police officers. However, the government faces calls for extreme caution, clear guidelines, and a focus on this being a short-term measure.
Photo: Office of the Prime Minister.
Many agree that the ultimate solution lies not in policing but in addressing root causes like strengthening disciplinary systems, improving psychosocial support, and tackling community violence.
The experiment of placing armed police in our nation’s schools is now underway. But its success will depend on meticulous execution, constant evaluation, and an unwavering commitment to prioritising the well-being and future of the nation’s children above all else.
I believe a pragmatic alternative should focus on robust security infrastructure (controlled access, CCTV) and specifically unarmed school safety officers trained in de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention training.
At the same time, invest heavily in proactive measures such as expanded student support services, counselling, conflict mediation programmes, and community outreach to address the root causes of violence before they escalate.
To conclude, true school safety can only be achieved by cultivating a “community of trust”. This means fostering an environment where students feel psychologically secure, supported by approachable officers, and not by introducing the pervasive anxiety that accompanies an armed presence.
“[…] The Picton 1 EMBD Development in Barrackpore [is] an area that has waited far too long for progress. “[…] Read more
“[…] Despite Trinbagonians having one of the highest tertiary and post-graduate levels of education and international travel, our leaders believe Read more
“[…] How many more accidents must occur due to defective tires, missing lights, or overloaded trucks before enforcement is taken Read more
More than a decade ago, when the People’s Partnership Government provided laptops to students entering secondary school, it was seen Read more
My experience at the Arima hospital today was mixed. It was mostly sweet, mind you. Everyone who I came into Read more
“[…] Public figures—especially elected officials—have enormous influence. Their actions speak louder than their speeches. “When they film themselves while driving, Read more
Salaah Inniss is an ardent writer with an enthusiasm for bringing insightful views on national issues. He graduated from Cipriani College in Environmental Management, and is presently working in the Integrated Facilities Building Service Industry. He is an empathetic supporter of conservation and the protection of the environment.
