Systems analysis of crime in Trinidad and Tobago, focusing on the cocaine trade

Abstract

Crime in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) has escalated in the 2000s and the government is struggling to find the best methods to reduce crime and improve national security. Measures such as hiring an external police commissioner, introducing new bills, community policing and implementing a state of emergency have all been tried, but it seems as though these steps have all failed in achieving their desired goals as crime is still increasing. In this paper, I argue that a systems-thinking approach is needed to understand crime in T&T and to evaluate potential interventions. Using systems analysis, international and national datasets, system dynamic models as well as newspaper reports, I review recent experience, compare T&T with other countries, identify key issues and interactions, and suggest planning recommendations that may help to reduce crime. This paper is an effort to identify planning strategies that can bring about sustainable change in T&T.