Police presence at and in the vicinity of small businesses has been expanded in order to deter criminal attacks on them, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security the Hon. Cynthia Pratt announced recently.
This is among a number of steps; some having existed before, some newly formulated; that law enforcement agencies are taking in the struggle against crime.
Deputy Prime Minister Pratt referred to earlier remarks, in which she had said the agencies would take sufficient and appropriate measures in response to crime, and would take action to guard against criminal activities and, in particular, those activities that are aided by the use of guns. “In order to maintain the momentum against crime,” she said March 4, “auxiliary facets of the police have been disbanded, such as the Police Force Band and the members of those units have been assigned policing duties. Such postings will continue until the heightened crime situation is assessed to have been brought under control.”
Divisional commanders have been charged with creating plans and strategies to answer the unique needs of the communities they serve, the Deputy Prime Minister said, adding that close attention is being paid to incidents of domestic violence.
Greater and expanded co-operation and collaboration have been forged with international law enforcement agencies to enhance the process of detecting and preventing international crime, she said.
“Action has been taken to increase the number of police reservists,” Deputy Prime Minister Pratt said, “so that increased numbers could support the expanded activities.”
Detective services have been devolved, with members of the Central Detective Unit being located in community police stations. Such postings reduce response time to complaints and aid in the speedy resolution of criminal acts, she said.
The specialized Drug Enforcement Unit targets drug users and drug pushers and, thereby, “maintains relentless pressure to suppress the sale, distribution and use of illegal drugs,” she said.
The zero-tolerance-to-crime campaign has been invigorated, the Deputy Prime Minister said, noting that it proceeds on the principle that any crime is prohibited, that the commission of crime is visited by penalties, and that crime-free communities are desirable.
Deputy Prime Minister Pratt also cited: Intelligence-led policing that relies on information supplied by the public to detect crime, once committed, or to prevent the commission of crime.
ﾷ A well co-ordinated programme of motorized patrols that stresses the visibility of the police and facilitates rapid response in emergencies.
ﾷ Enhanced community/police relations, with police officers, including senior officers, walking through communities and fostering closer relationships with residents.
Deputy Prime Minster Pratt referred to the following measures taken to combat terrorism:
ﾷ A comprehensive assessment of the Prince George Dock and the implementation of greater security measures at this and other docking facilities.
ﾷ Dialogue with the Airport Authority and collaboration in, and support for, the implementation of greater security measures at the nationﾴs airports.
ﾷ The effective collection and dissemination of security intelligence, both locally and internationally.
ﾷ Co-operation with private enterprises such as hotels and other enterprises that cater to relatively large numbers of people, particularly foreign nationals.
Deputy Prime Minister Pratt said that she will begin visiting schools this week to speak with and counsel troubled youth. This effort, she said, will be complemented by organizations and institutions that have pledged their support and indicated their willingness to work with the government in partnership.
