Trinidad and Tobago, like the rest of the world, is currently facing the Coronavirus pandemic which has led to necessary temporary closure of educational institutions. As staff and students adhere to the recommended safety procedures, The Institute of Criminology and Public Safety (ICPS) continues to encourage the use of online course delivery and assessment. As part of this effort, the students enrolled in the Certificate in Criminology & Public Safety at The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) are currently engaged in an assignment related to the Coronavirus pandemic as part of their Co-Op programme.

Discovered in 2019, the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new strain of virus that is evident for the first time in humans (WHO 2020). In light of the current Coronavirus pandemic, educating ourselves on how it is spread and employing measures to mitigate against its spread is vital. This virus has the potential to negatively impact many facets of our lives, ranging from our physical and psychological health to our social interactions, shopping practices, travel plans, food shortages, caring for our families and concerns over possible job loss, to name a few. The economic impact of the virus is deemed to have far reaching consequences not just for the individual and family, but also for nations and the world at large.

The ICPS students have the opportunity now to gain deeper knowledge of this pandemic and its implications. Governments are employing measures to mitigate against this threat which has the potential to gravely affect citizens, nations and the entire world. Public Safety professionals should be aware of the measures being adopted by countries to safeguard their populations and understand how imperative it is for citizens and institutions to adhere to these protocols in order to not contribute to the spread of the virus. The Institute of Criminology and Public Safety aims to continue to provide a well-rounded educational experience during this time, through the resilience and adaptability of its leadership, staff and students.