National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds has revealed that 42 applications for pepper spray permits have been received by the T&T Police Service to date and they are currently being processed by the TTPS’ Firearms Permit Unit.
Hinds made the revelation in Parliament on Friday, while replying to Opposition questions on when the pepper spray will be available to the public, since the Firearms Amendment Act 2021 had been assented to since July 6, 2021.
The Act allows for the licenced importation and use of pepper spray by members of the public,
Hinds said operationalisation of the Act is being implemented on a phased basis by the TTPS, in collaboration with the Customs and Excise Division and the T&T Bureau of Standards (TTBS).
“In December 2022, the TTPS launched the first phase of the process, which included the issue of pepper spray import permits, whereby nine pepper spray import permits have been granted to date. Of the nine permits granted, two importers have already imported pepper spray canisters into the country, which are currently awaiting clearance from the TTBS, to ensure they meet all the necessary requirements for sale within T&T,” Hinds added.
“Furthermore, the TTPS has also rolled out the subsequent phase of the process, whereby citizens are permitted to apply for ‘keep and carry permits’ for pepper spray via the TTPS’ website,” he also said.
“The TTPS is currently engaging in discussions with stakeholders, concerning the issuance of manufacture permits for pepper spray, which will be the final phase of the licensing process to be rolled out. The TTPS continues to work towards ensuring the full operationalisation of the licensing process.”
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