Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams yesterday implored the nine divisional commanders to do all that was necessary to keep the murder rate down.
Last year's murder toll of 462, exceeded 2015's tally by 42 murders, and already there are two reported murders this year.
The latest killing took place yesterday at Angelina Terrace, Morvant where Simeon Selvon, 24, was shot dead near his home. The shooting took place around 1 am but police had no motive as yet.
Sources said Williams, called in his commanders yesterday, where he encouraged them to grab hold of the murder rate.
The months of January and February usually have higher murder figures than other months in the year, and commanders were told that once they manage to keep those two months under control then they may be able to record less murders this year than last year.
Last year there were 49 murders in January while February had 37.
At yesterday's meeting, the top cop told his commanders that the 2017 strategic plan will be launched soon and in that will be a guide for his officers to follow in reducing the murder rate, improving the detection and other policing practices aimed at making T&T safer.
Williams also thanked the officers who supported his call towards the end of last year to forgo their leaves and respond to the call out for increased police patrols in the country.