TTPS DATA PRIVACY POLICY
Last updated June 24, 2025
This Privacy Notice for the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (‘TTPS’, ‘we’, ‘us’, or ‘our’), describes how and why we access, collect, store, use, and/or share (‘process’) your personal information when you use our online services including when you:
• Visit our website at https://ttps.gov.tt or any related TTPS website that links to this Privacy Notice
• Submit applications for permits, licenses, certificates, or other police services
• Engage with us for law enforcement purposes, public safety matters, or administrative services
Questions or concerns? Reading this Privacy Notice will help you understand how we handle your personal information and the legal framework governing our operations. We process personal information under the authority of the Police Service Act Chapter 15:01 and in accordance with applicable General Privacy Principles where relevant. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our Services. If you still have any questions or concerns, please contact us at corporatecommunications@ttps.gov.tt
SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS
This summary provides key points from our Privacy Notice, but you can find out more details about any of these topics by using our table of contents below to find the section you are looking for.
What personal information do we process? When you visit, use, or navigate our Services, we process personal information depending on how you interact with us and the Services, the choices you make, and the services you request. This includes information necessary for law enforcement functions, public safety, and administrative services as authorized under the Police Service Act Chapter 15:01.
Do we process any sensitive personal information? Yes, we process sensitive information including criminal history, financial information for licensing purposes, identification documents, and security-related data as necessary for law enforcement functions and as authorized by applicable legislation.
Do we collect any information from third parties? We may collect information from other government agencies, law enforcement databases, and authorized third parties as permitted by Law or for verification purposes and law enforcement functions under statutory authority.
How do we process your information? We process your information to provide law enforcement services, issue permits and licenses, conduct background checks, ensure public safety, prevent and investigate crime, and comply with legal obligations under the Police Service Act and other applicable legislation.
In what situations and with which parties do we share personal information? We may share information with other government departments, courts, and authorized third parties as required for law enforcement functions and legal compliance under statutory authority.
How do we keep your information safe? We implement comprehensive security measures appropriate for law enforcement systems, including secure government facilities, restricted access protocols, and technical safeguards.
What are your rights? While comprehensive data protection legislation is still developing in Trinidad and Tobago, we are committed to respecting your privacy and providing practical ways for you to exercise control over your personal information. You may request correction of inaccurate information, access to your personal data (where legally permissible), and clarification of how your information is used. Constitutional protections and specific statutory provisions also govern your rights regarding personal information. Contact us at corporatecommunications@ttps.gov.tt for such requests, and we will respond within our operational capabilities and legal obligations.
How long do we keep your information? We retain personal information in accordance with government record retention policies, legal requirements, and operational needs, which may require long-term or permanent retention for law enforcement purposes.
Table of Contents
WHAT INFORMATION DO WE COLLECT?. 6
Personal information you disclose to us. 6
Information automatically collected. 8
HOW DO WE PROCESS YOUR INFORMATION?. 8
WHAT LEGAL AUTHORITY DO WE RELY ON TO PROCESS YOUR INFORMATION?. 10
Primary Statutory Authority: 10
Additional Legal Bases: 10
Voluntary Adoption of Best Practices: 11
WHEN AND WITH WHOM DO WE SHARE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?. 11
Law Enforcement and Government Cooperation: 11
International Cooperation: 12
Regulatory and Administrative Functions: 12
Service Providers: 12
Legal Requirements: 13
DO WE USE COOKIES AND OTHER TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES?. 13
IS YOUR INFORMATION TRANSFERRED INTERNATIONALLY?. 14
HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR INFORMATION?. 15
Specific Retention Periods: 15
Extended Retention: 15
Disposal: 16
HOW DO WE KEEP YOUR INFORMATION SAFE?. 16
Security Measures Include: 16
DO WE MAKE UPDATES TO THIS NOTICE?. 18
HOW CAN YOU CONTACT US ABOUT THIS NOTICE?. 19
We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:
- Apply for a Certificate of Character
- Request permits for public marches, carnival activities, or special events
- Apply for Firearm User’s Licenses
- Submit applications for police presence at events
- Request replacement of lost or stolen documents
- Apply for permits for fundraising activities (donations, raffles, bingo events)
- Contact us for law enforcement or administrative purposes
The personal information that we collect depends on the specific service you are requesting and our statutory authority to collect such information. The personal information we collect may include the following:
- Full names and aliases
- National identification numbers
- Phone numbers and contact information
- Email addresses
- Residential and mailing addresses
- Date and place of birth
- Employment information and job titles
- Emergency contact information
- Passport and travel document information
- Vehicle registration and insurance details
- Driver’s license information
- Financial information for licensing fees
- Character references and contact details
- Event details for permit applications
- Organization information for group applications
Sensitive Information: We process the following categories of sensitive information when necessary for law enforcement functions and as authorized by applicable legislation:
- Criminal history and background information
- Financial data for licensing and verification purposes
- Biometric data including fingerprints and digital signatures (collected only where statutorily authorized and necessary for identity verification and background checks)
- Other identification documents such as passports and national ID cards
- Security clearance information
- Health information (when relevant to applications and authorized by law)
- Court records and legal proceedings
Photography and Biometric Data: For certain applications, we collect:
- Passport-style photographs meeting specific requirements
- Fingerprints for background verification (where statutorily authorized)
- Digital signatures
All personal information that you provide to us must be true, complete, and accurate, and you must notify us of any changes to such personal information. Providing false information to the TTPS may constitute an offence under Trinidad and Tobago law.
Some information such as your Internet Protocol (IP) address and/or browser and device characteristics is collected automatically when you visit our Services for security and system operation purposes.
We automatically collect certain information when you visit, use, or navigate the Services. This information does not reveal your specific identity but may include device and usage information necessary for system security and operation. This information is primarily needed to maintain the security and operation of our Services and for our internal security monitoring purposes.
The information we collect includes:
- Log and Usage Data: Service-related, diagnostic, usage, and performance information our servers automatically collect when you access our Services, including IP address, device information, browser type, pages visited, time stamps, and system activity for security monitoring.
- Device Data: Information about your computer, phone, tablet, or other device used to access the Services, including IP address, device identification, browser type, operating system, and system configuration.
- Location Data: General location information based on IP address for security and fraud prevention purposes.
We process your information to provide law enforcement services, issue permits and licenses, conduct necessary background checks, ensure public safety, and comply with legal obligations under the Police Service Act and related legislation.
We process your personal information for the following purposes under statutory authority:
- To process applications for permits, licenses, and certificates including Certificate of Character, Firearm User’s Licenses, public march permits, carnival permits, and fundraising permits as authorized under relevant legislation.
- To conduct background checks and verification as required for licensing and security purposes, including criminal history checks and character verification under statutory authority.
- To ensure public safety and security by verifying applicant eligibility and conducting risk assessments for permits and licenses as mandated by law.
- To facilitate law enforcement functions including crime prevention, investigation, and cooperation with other Government agencies under any other relevant legislation.
- To provide administrative services such as processing applications, managing appointments, and providing status updates.
- To communicate with applicants regarding application status, requirements, and decisions.
- To maintain accurate records for law enforcement, legal compliance, and administrative purposes as required by law.
- To prevent fraud and ensure system security by monitoring for suspicious activities and protecting against unauthorized access.
- To comply with legal obligations including court orders, statutory requirements, and law enforcement cooperation.
- To protect vital interests when necessary to prevent harm to individuals or the public.
We process your personal information under the authority of the Police Service Act Chapter 15:01 and other applicable legislation that mandates or authorizes law enforcement functions and public safety activities. The legal bases for processing your personal information include:
- Police Service Act Chapter 15:01: Our primary authority for collecting and processing personal information in connection with law enforcement functions, investigations, and public safety activities.
- Firearms Act Chapter 16:01: Authority for processing information related to firearm licenses and background checks.
- Other Applicable Legislation: Processing authorized under other relevant acts including the Summary Offences Act, Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, and other legislation that confers specific powers on the TTPS.
- Constitutional Authority: Processing necessary for the performance of public tasks and official functions carried out by the TTPS in the public interest.
- Legal Obligations: Processing required to comply with legal obligations, court orders, and statutory requirements.
- Consent: Processing based on your explicit consent when you voluntarily submit applications and provide information for specific services.
- Vital Interests: Processing necessary to protect the vital interests of individuals or the public, including preventing harm and ensuring public safety.
While the Data Protection Act 2011 is only partially proclaimed, we voluntarily adopt relevant provisions including sections 24(a) and (b) regarding the collection and use of personal information, along with the General Privacy Principles where operationally feasible and consistent with our statutory duties. These principles include:
- Taking responsibility for personal information under our control
- Identifying purposes for collection before or at the time of collection
- Collecting only the minimum personal information necessary to fulfill statutory duties
- Ensuring accuracy and completeness where practicable
- Implementing appropriate safeguards for personal information
We may share information with Law enforcement agencies, government departments, courts, and authorized third parties as required by law and legal compliance under statutory authority.
- Law Enforcement Agencies: With local, regional, and international law enforcement agencies for investigation, crime prevention, and security purposes under statutory authority and official protocols.
- Government Departments: With Immigration Division, Customs and Excise Division, Licensing Authority, National Security Ministry, and other relevant government departments as required for official functions.
- Judicial System: With courts, magistrates, Director of Public Prosecutions, and legal authorities as required by law, court orders, or legal proceedings.
- Emergency Services: With fire services, medical emergency services, and disaster management authorities when necessary for public safety and emergency response.
- International Law Enforcement: With INTERPOL, regional security organizations, and foreign law enforcement agencies through official channels and mutual legal assistance treaties.
- Border Security: With immigration and border security agencies for identity verification and security screening.
- Regulatory Bodies: With professional licensing boards, financial intelligence units, and other regulatory authorities as required by law.
- Statutory Bodies: With other statutory bodies and commissions as required for official functions and legal compliance.
- Authorized Contractors: With authorized contractors providing technical services, background verification services, and system maintenance under strict confidentiality agreements and security protocols.
- Court Orders and Legal Process: When disclosure is required by law, court order, subpoena, warrant, or other legal process.
- Statutory Disclosure: When disclosure is mandated by specific legislation or regulatory requirements.
Information sharing is conducted strictly in accordance with applicable laws, official protocols, and security requirements. We do not share personal information for commercial purposes.
We may use cookies and other tracking technologies to maintain system security, prevent fraud, and ensure proper functioning of our online services.
- Maintaining secure user sessions during application processes
- Preventing unauthorized access and fraudulent activities
- System performance monitoring and error detection
- Basic site functionality and navigation
- Security logging and audit trails for law enforcement purposes
We do not use cookies for advertising, marketing, or commercial tracking purposes. You can configure your browser settings to control cookies, but this may affect the functionality of certain services and applications.
Information may be shared internationally with law enforcement agencies and security organizations through official channels, mutual legal assistance treaties, and authorized international cooperation mechanisms with appropriate safeguards in place.
Our primary servers and databases are located in Trinidad and Tobago under government security protocols. However, information may be transferred internationally in the following circumstances under statutory authority:
- Law Enforcement Cooperation: Through official channels, mutual legal assistance treaties, and established international cooperation protocols
- INTERPOL and Regional Security: Through authorized security cooperation networks and information sharing agreements
- Immigration and Border Security: For identity verification, security screening, and border control purposes
- International Investigations: When required for transnational crime investigation and security matters
- Court Orders: When mandated by judicial proceedings or international legal obligations
International transfers are conducted strictly in accordance with applicable laws, international agreements, and security protocols. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for any international information sharing, including INTERPOL protocols, Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs), encrypted transmission channels, and secure government communication networks.
We retain personal information in accordance with government record retention policies, legal requirements, and law enforcement operational needs, which may require long-term or permanent retention.
- Criminal Records: Retained permanently in accordance with criminal records legislation and law enforcement requirements
- Firearm Licenses: Retained for the duration of the license plus applicable statutory periods
- Character Certificates: Application records retained in accordance with existing and applicable policies
- Permit Applications: Retained for periods determined by the nature of the permit and legal requirements
- Investigation Records: Retained in accordance with case requirements, legal obligations, and operational needs
- System Logs: Retained for security audit and monitoring purposes as required
- Retention periods may be extended when information is subject to:
- Ongoing investigations or legal proceedings
- Court orders or legal holds
- Appeals or judicial review processes
- National security considerations
- Law enforcement requirements
When information is no longer required for legal, operational, or administrative purposes, it is disposed of in accordance with government security protocols and procedures through secure methods including physical shredding of documents and certified digital wiping of electronic media to ensure complete destruction of sensitive information.
We implement comprehensive security measures appropriate for law enforcement systems, including physical security, technical safeguards, access controls, and strict operational protocols.
Physical Security:
- Secured government facilities with restricted access
- Surveillance and monitoring systems
- Controlled entry and exit procedures
- Secure storage of physical documents and media
Technical Safeguards:
- Encryption for data transmission and storage
- Secure databases with access logging
- Firewalls and intrusion detection systems
- Regular security updates and patches
- Secure backup systems and disaster recovery protocols
Access Controls:
- Role-based access with authentication requirements
- Authorization protocols based on operational need-to-know
- Regular access reviews and updates
- Secure user credential management
Personnel Security:
- Background checks and security clearances for personnel with access to sensitive information
- Security awareness training and protocols
- Confidentiality agreements and security obligations
Operational Protocols:
- Regular security audits and assessments
- Incident response and breach procedures
- Security monitoring and logging
- Compliance with government security standards
While we implement robust security measures consistent with government standards, no system can be guaranteed to be 100% secure. We continuously review and update our security practices to address emerging threats and maintain the highest practicable level of security.
Yes, we will update this notice as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, operational practices, and legal requirements.
We may update this Privacy Notice from time to time to reflect:
- Changes in applicable legislation or regulations
- Updates to our operational practices
- New services or system capabilities
- Legal or regulatory guidance
- Security or operational requirements
The updated version will be indicated by an updated ‘Last updated’ date at the top of this Privacy Notice. Material changes will be communicated through our website and other appropriate channels where feasible. We encourage you to review this Privacy Notice periodically to stay informed about how we handle personal information.
If you have questions or comments about this notice, you may contact us:
Email: corporatecommunications@ttps.gov.tt
Phone: 627-6047 / 627-5217 or 623-8429
Mail:
Trinidad and Tobago Police Service
Police Administration Building
Corner Edward and Sackville Streets
Port of Spain
Trinidad and Tobago
Website: https://www.ttps.gov.tt
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Please note: This Privacy Notice reflects our commitment to transparency and good governance within the current legal framework of Trinidad and Tobago. As data protection legislation continues to evolve, this notice will be updated accordingly to ensure continued compliance with applicable laws and best practices.