Social Development: Crime

This chapter examines security concerns in Trinidad and Tobago (TT), which citizens identify as the most important challenge facing the country. TT’s high homicide rate, surpassing comparable countries, stems from a number of related factors, including the proliferation of criminal gangs that have been fueled by the drug and gun trade. Domestic violence, predominantly inter-partner violence, and abuse in schools are also prevalent. The society exhibits tolerance towards various forms of violence, including physical punishment for disobedient children and unfaithful wives, with ethnic differences in attitudes. Crime incurs substantial economic costs, with high government spending on security and substantial private-sector losses. Trust in the justice system, police, and Supreme Court is relatively low, with variations across ethnic groups. ITTs generally display higher trust levels compared to ATTs. These challenges underscore the widespread security issues facing the country and the fragile public trust in security-related institutions within TT.