Acting Police Commissioner Junior Benjamin has stated that any decision regarding an extension to the current state of emergency (SoE) will be deferred until the substantive Commissioner of Police (CoP), Allister Guevarro, returns from official duties. Guevarro is currently attending the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) annual conference in Denver, Colorado, and is expected to resume his role on October 23. The SoE is currently set to expire on October 28. Benjamin emphasized that while there has been a noticeable spike in murders this month, particularly in the North Eastern, Northern North, and Central divisions, this alone does not justify extending the emergency measures. He highlighted that the overall murder toll for the year stands at 299, significantly lower than the 501 recorded during the same period in 2024. Benjamin acknowledged the recent increase but stressed that policing strategies are being adapted to address the situation. He noted that the police are focusing on hotspots and priority offenders, especially with a long weekend approaching. Benjamin also pointed out that a decision of such magnitude should not be driven by panic, as statistics indicate a usual uptick in murders during the latter half of the year. He assured that the police are prepared to intensify operations, particularly as the Christmas season approaches, to curb the rise in crime.