PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (AP) – The United States is considering a request from Trinidad for help in curbing a spike in violent crime, the US ambassador to the Caribbean nation said Thursday.

Trinidad’s Prime Minister Patrick Manning last month asked Britain and the United States to bolster its 7,200-member police force as it battles a rise in homicides and kidnappings blamed on a booming illegal drug trade and an influx of criminal deportees. The appeal included a request for police equipment and logistical help.

US Ambassador Roy Austin said the request was being reviewed, but stressed that other countries have also asked for assistance and that US resources were limited.

“We are seriously studying the request. It may very well be that we come up with some form of assistance, but there is but so much resources to go around and there are a lot of countries requesting assistance,” Austin said.

Britain has yet to announce whether it will provide assistance.

Apart from seeking help in fighting crime, Austin said local authorities must do a better job prosecuting criminals.

“The ease with which people can engage in crime with impunity seems to add to the problem. If one cannot catch criminals they become bold, but the police alone cannot be responsible for that citizens must play a big role,” Austin said.

Police have recorded 306 homicides in the twin-island nation of 1.2 million so far this year, up from 260 reported in 2004.

Police have reported nearly 60 kidnappings this year, about double last year’s figure.