Departments & Units

Electronic Monitoring Unit

The Electronic Monitoring Unit (EMU) has been established within the Ministry of Justice, with the purpose of implementing and maintaining a system for electronic monitoring in accordance with Section 6 (1) and (2) of the Administration of Justice (Electronic Monitoring) Act No. 11 of 2012.
The system uses technology to monitor the movements of certain categories of offenders, on a continuous basis, via affixed ankle bracelets. The devices function using Global Positioning System (GPS). Electronic Monitoring is one of the major initiatives being implemented with the aim of transforming and modernizing the criminal justice landscape in Trinidad and Tobago. The Electronic Monitoring System is intended to contribute to the overhaul of the Penal System in Trinidad and Tobago by introducing a new sentencing option to the court as an alternative to incarceration, and as a condition of bail for certain charges, including domestic violence and sexual offences.
Our Core Functions
The Unit’s core functions are to:
  • Provide real time tracking of the location of persons placed on electronic monitoring on a 24/7/365 day basis;
  • Report any alarm notifications, signal loss or device malfunction;
  • Exercise control of all monitoring information;
  • Maintain a register of decisions transmitted to it by the Court or other competent Authority;
  • Undertake the fitting, maintenance and removal of devices and collaborate closely with the relevant stakeholders in the criminal justice system and other stakeholders as is deemed appropriate.
​​Who Do We Serve?
  • The Prisons Service
  • The Judiciary
For more information on the Electronic Monitoring Unit (EMU), please contact: 623-2441-5.

       

Probation Services Division

The Probation of Offenders Act of 1907 brought about the birth of the Probation Service in Great Britain, and a similar service here in the colonial territory.  A Principle Probation Officer was appointed in 1945 and a fulltime Probation Service in 1946, to provide an alternative to imprisonment for young persons convicted of criminal offences in the Courts of Trinidad and Tobago.
In the year 2000, Community Service was introduced to Trinidad and Tobago, followed by the Children Probation Division in 2018 and Case Care Management in 2021.
 
Our Core Functions
The Division’s core functions include the preparation of reports requested by the Courts of Judicature for matters in relation to:
 
Who Do We Serve?
  • Judiciary
  • Foreign Social Service Agencies
  • Prison Service
  • Police Service
  • Children’s Authority
  • Child Protection Unit
  • Ministry of Education
  • Ministry of Social Development and Family Services
  • Ministry of Health
  • National Drug Council
  • UNDP
  • NGO’s
Programmes/Services Offered
  • Individual and Family Counselling – these programs are ancillary to the participant’s rehabilitation and reintegration into society
  • Remedial Therapy for Probationers – group counselling such as teaching life skills, dealing with peer pressure, etc
  • The “Thinking for a Change” Programme – it develops self-insight and interpersonal skills to effect rehabilitation
  • Emergency Case Fund for clients of the Probation Services Division, to assist in acquiring education and vocational training
  • The Insight Project (T.I.P.) – affords the clients the opportunity to gain insight into the behaviour that predispose them to the unlawful acts for which they were brought before the Court.
  • DNA and Psychological Testing
For more information on Probation Services, please contact us at (868) 623-8180; (868) 625-9925.

Trinidad and Tobago Forensic Science Centre

The Trinidad and Tobago Forensic Science Centre, a division of the Ministry of Justice, began operations at its present location on December 01, 1983. The Centre encompasses both forensic pathology and forensic science. Using recent scientific techniques and sophisticated instruments, the scientists collect, analyse and interpret all aspects of physical evidence submitted by police officers and other clients. The scientists at TTFSC are required to give expert testimony in the court of law.
 
Our Core Functions
Biology Section
  • Examination and identification of body fluids.
  • Body fluids investigated are blood, semen and saliva
  • Identification and comparison of hair and fibre
  • DNA analysis of body fluids, tissues and hair
Chemistry Section
  • Examination and analysis of seized drugs
  • Investigation of arson cases
  • Examination of stolen vehicles
  • Examination and identification of explosives.
Document Section
  • Examination of handwriting and typewriting
  • Determination of erasures and alterations
  • Examination of counterfeit currency.
Firearms Section
  • Determination of calibre of firearm and ammunition
  • Determination of firearm from which ammunition was discharged
  • Determination of the type of firearm used
  • Examination of toolmarks
  • Correlation of shooting incidents using the Integrated Ballistics Identification System IBIS.
Toxicology Section
  • Identification of drugs and poisons in body fluids taken at post-mortems
  • Blood alcohol determinations
  • Workplace drug testing.
Who Do We Serve?
  • The Police Service of Trinidad and Tobago
  • Other persons requiring forensic services
For more information on The Trinidad and Tobago Forensic Science Centre (TTFSC), please email forensic@mns.gov.tt

Project Management Unit

The Project Management Unit (PMU) of the Ministry of Justice was established to provide project management guidance and leadership, particularly for the construction initiatives of the Judiciary and the diverse projects undertaken by divisions within the Ministry. As a cohesive team, the Unit ensures that all approved projects are implemented from conception to close-out by utilizing industry best-practice project monitoring and control techniques in accordance with procurement rules and regulations.
The Unit, led by an experienced Programme Manager, oversees and aligns the processes and systems required throughout each phase of the project life cycle in a customized and structured manner. It also ensures that each project is completed on schedule and in accordance with the expected standards of quality and efficient resource allocation, while operating within the authorized budget and mitigating risks where appropriate.
In fulfilling the Government’s commitment, through the Ministry of Justice, to modernize the administration of and access to judicial services for the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, the Project Management Unit provides critical support to strengthen collaboration between the Ministry of Justice and the Judiciary. This collaboration enables the delivery of assigned objectives in a timely manner within a culture of merit, integrity, accountability, and transparency.
In its important role within the Ministry of Justice, the Project Management Unit is directly responsible for providing, inter alia:
  • Project definition from concept and design through to close-out and handover
  • Project leadership, coordination, and control
  • Project monitoring, control, and reporting to stakeholders
  • Project scheduling, phase development, and management
  • Project cost and budget management
  • Project quality assurance and change management protocols
  • Project risk management and mitigation
  • Project completion aligned with stakeholder expectations
It is envisioned that the work of the Project Management Unit, in conjunction with the collective efforts of the Judiciary and other departments within the Ministry of Justice, will enhance the efficiency, productivity, and performance of project execution. This will ensure that the mandate of the Ministry of Justice is achieved for the benefit of the people of Trinidad and Tobago.