In responding to criticism that the public should have been warned sooner about the recent spree of rape reports, Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade insisted that police did the right thing and said that police must be allowed to do their job without interference.
He said police kept the matter secret to protect victims and their families, and that ensuring the integrity of investigations are the among the police force’s main priorities. The release of too much information can compromise investigations and/or violate the privacy of individuals involved in the crimes, he added.
“I can’t have everyone telling us what we should and should not do,” he told reporters at police headquarters yesterday
“You have to also understand on the other side of this discussion are innocent victims and their families whose identities must be protected and whose locations must be protected and who I do not wish to be repeat victims as a result of negligence on my part or my organisation in saying too much.”
FNM deputy leader Loretta Butler-Turner had earlier this week blasted the government’s silence on the “alarming increase” in the number of rapes in New Providence.
Mr Greenslade said that measures had been taken to inform those perceived to be most at risk.
While he could not provide specific information on matters that might compromise investigations or the safety and privacy of the victims, Mr Greenslade said he is very satisfied with the work being done by police and is impressed with the level of work that they do.
While not wanting to down play the significance of these crimes he said overall, rape figures have gone down in the Bahamas. He said that murders and armed robberies are the only two categories of crime that have risen.
