A rash of eight murders last December helped to propel the 2002 murder rate to an increase of 17.3 percent over 2001, police officials said Tuesday.
Fifty-two persons were murdered last year, with police “able to bring to closure more than 77 percent” of cases.
During “The 3rd Annual Meet the Press Briefing and Luncheon” held at Police Headquarters, East Street, details of the Annual Police Report were presented to the media by various divisional commanders of the Force.
Deputy Commissioner of Police John Rolle in his opening remarks noted that the successes of the Force can be attributed to the policy plan for 2002 implemented by Police Commissioner Paul Farquharson, in conjunction with his Policy Team and Divisional Commanders.
He said that the main objectives of the strategic plan were to increase the detection of crime and heighten community safety and security, as well as to promote and encourage positive interaction by officers with members of the public.
He further referred to the successful operation between the US Drug Enforcement Agency and the local Drug Enforcement Unit which led to the complete dismantling of a major drug cartel in The Bahamas in 2002.
He called this, “by far our single greatest victory for the year.”
“Be it known to those that are still involved in the illicit trade of drugs, your days are numbered and like the others, you too are going down next,” said the Deputy Commissioner.
He also turned his attention to the murder rate in The Bahamas last year.
“The capital offence of murder during 2002 rose above that of 2001, and while this is a grave concern to all right-thinking citizens of this country, I wish to look at what we have been able to do as a force to stem the seemingly endless blood-letting in our streets,” he said.
He said that the force was mandated by the Commissioner to utilize every workable strategy to ensure the capture of law-breakers.
“With this directive as their marching orders, I am happy to report that we have been able to bring to closure more than 77 percent of all murders committed throughout The Bahamas during 2002,” he said.
With regard to sexual offenses, he said that a significant number of persons were arraigned before the courts in such cases.
“There must be no mistake on the part of would-be sex offenders. We will use all of our resources within The Royal Bahamas Police Force after you, and we promise you that you will get no rest until charged and placed before the courts,” said Mr. Rolle.
“Our women and little children will be safe in their homes, on the streets, in the workplace and whereever else their needs must take them,” he said.
It was also reported that 54 persons lost their lives in traffic fatalities in 2002, and this year, much precaution, responsibility and discipline by drivers and pedestrians alike must be exercised.
“There are far too many instances of road rage on our streets. This, coupled with persons not being able to properly handle their vehicles is a dangerous combination,” said Mr. Rolle.
All categories of offences against property showed increases for 2002 compared to 2001 he said, which include shopbreaking, stealing, and attempted stealing. Crime against property however revealed a detection rate of nine per cent, with burglary posting a detection rate of 31 per cent.
Mr. Rolle gave words of advice to those who would find themselves subject to a report at the Police Corruption Unit.
“Steer clear of those that will offer you a bribe to perform any act outside the law. You not only embarrass this force, and the community at large, but you shame your family who must live in the same community you once served with pride and dignity,” he said.
Superintendent Marvin Dames, Officer in Charge of the Central Detective Unit reported that although murders increased by some 17.3 percent in 2002 with a total of 52, there was a detection rate of some 77 percent at present.
“We were looking above this number prior to December, and all of a sudden December hit and we had eight murders. Hopefully, before this month is out, we can raise those figures in excess of 80 percent. I can tell you, you can look anywhere throughout this region, maybe anywhere the world over, those figures are some of the best figures anywhere that you find,” he said.
Domestic violence still ranks high as the leading cause of murders in The Bahamas, he said, with 32 murders for 2002 being domestic-related.
Some 61.5 percent for 2002 were domestic- related, a 44 per cent increase over 2001, he said.
Firearms constituted some 67 percent, or 35 of the weapons used to commit the crimes.
Seven of these murders were also correlated to the illicit drug trade, while six persons lost their lives while committing armed robbery.
There were also four attempted murders reported for 2002, which is a decrease of some 43 percent over 2001.
While there was an increase in armed robbery for 2002 of some 40 percent, there was a 47.5 increase in the detection rate. Victims also indicated that in 76 percent of these cases, the culprits used guns during these robberies.
There was also a a 42 percent detection rate for rape cases, also such offences rose by 24 percent in 2002. In 57 percent of these cases, the victim knew the assailant, said Mr. Dames.
He also reported that there was a five percent decrease over 2001 for unlawful sexual intercourse, and a 65, or 37 percent detection rate for unlawful sexual intercourse.
Supt. Dames also noted that there was a 22 percent increase in seizures of firearms, which amounted to 188 compared to the 147 in 2001.
Operations such as Spider Web, High Octane, Summer Storm II, along with increased patrols were attributed to the increase in seizures, he said.
He also noted that of the 210 persons arrested in such cases, approximately 201 were charged before the courts.
Mr. Dames said that 26 per cent of them were repeat offenders.
In his concluding remarks, Deputy Commissioner Rolle said, ” I wish to thank the media for the partnership that exists between you and The Royal Bahamas Police Force. Your timely information to the public on persons of interest to the police has gone a very long way in the prevention of crime, the detection and apprehension of offenders. We look forward to doing greater things during 2003.”
By Vanessa Rolle, The Nassau Guardian
