The joint posts are to be established over the next four months as Government expands its security measures under the ongoing State of Emergency (SoE). Asked whether members of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) would be granted police powers under the initiative, Sturge replied: “No, that’s why it’s joint.” He said the primary objectives of the new security posts are “visibility, deterrence and rapid response.” She said the joint police-army posts would provide citizens with “a sense of comfort” while helping communities reclaim public spaces. Criminologists dividedCriminologist Dr Randy Seepersad described the establishment of the joint posts as “a good move” but stressed that their effectiveness would ultimately depend on how they are implemented.