SAINT Lucia’s police commissioner, Severin Moncherry, recently back from a meeting of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) in Jamaica, has said that a lack of resources – both human and otherwise, is the biggest challenge in the battle against crime.
“We know that within the Caribbean we have a number of Island chains and with all of those porous borders, it makes it a little more difficult for us to be able to fight crime and social disorder,” Moncherry stated.
He observed that as a result, the region is adopting a collaborative approach to crime fighting.
Moncherry said that the Jamaica gathering was ‘fruitful and successful.’
He disclosed that the session focused on transnational crime in the Caribbean region.
“We are looking at a transnational approach to fighting crime in the Caribbean region.
“We came up with some strategies – we have a few plans in place.
“There was a strategic plan that was adopted and we are hoping that through this strategic plan and other plans that we have, that we can have a transnational approach to fighting crime in the Caribbean,” Moncherry disclosed.
The 33rd Annual General Meeting and Conference of the ACCP was held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre (MBCC) in St James from April 30 to May 4.
This year’s theme was: ‘An Integrated Approach Against Serious and Organised Crime – Implications for Regional Growth and Development.’
Meanwhile, Commissioner Moncherry says Caribbean Police Commissioners are more determined than ever to work together to tackle crime in the region.
Delegates discussed issues such as community policing, gun violence and firearms trafficking in the Caribbean.
They also addressed difficulties in prosecuting gang cases and the impact of emerging technology on law enforcement.
Commissioner Moncherry says networking and collaboration have resulted in some successful recent initiatives.
The conference was held from April 30th to May 4th.