The National Operational Task Force which replaces the Special Operations Response Team of the TTPS will comprise specialized trained officers of both the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and Defense Force. 

Speaking in the Upper House this afternoon, National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds explained that the operational switch is backed by international advice,  and says “this unity of command will help to engender a high level of accountability.”

He was responding to a question from Opposition Senator Wade Mark, about the decision for disbanding SORT.

“The Police Commissioner in his wisdom, acting on the influence of information made available to him…from at home and from our international partners around the globe…(decided) to disband the SORT and to replace that with NOTF. The effect of this would be purely operational, consisting of specialized trained officers of the T&T police service and the Defense Force,” Hinds said.

“This new entity will now have a proper administrative structure taking into consideration he chain of command, the unity of command and a span of control which will engender a high level of accountability,” he added.