History of the Ministry
The Ministry of Justice deals primarily with policy making which impacts positively on the lives of citizens of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The Ministry is responsible for the reform of the criminal justice system and has no control over the working or flaws in institutional functions; it is, however, committed to providing direction where information and/or resolution are required.
The recently instituted Client Issues Resolutions Unit (CIRU) operates within the Ministry of Justice and receives requests for intervention into personal matters of a varied nature against persons, institutions and agencies. All matters are immediately acknowledged in writing by CIRU and investigation by phone and correspondence initiated.
When the institutions involved have been contacted to ascertain the status of the matters and all documents and information provided have been reviewed, the CIRU determines the best approach and appropriate path of resolution. Clients are advised in writing of the necessary direction to be taken and of any other relevant information and personnel that would be of working importance to them. Matters are followed up via telephone and recorded accordingly by CIRU.
The Unit is also establishing working linkages with other Ministries and institutions to have relevant matters resolved in a direct approach, as well as to attempt to eliminate the reoccurrence of said errors hence reduce complaints.
Divisions under the purview of the Ministry of Justice:
- Trinidad and Tobago Forensic Science Centre
- Immigration Detention Centre
- Penal Reform and Transformation Unit
Statutory bodies under the purview of the Ministry of Justice:
