FOLLOWING the controversial demolition of the former Custody Suites on Bridge Street, Castries by the previous administration, works are currently underway for a new Custody Suites facility.
According to a release from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), a new Custody Suites facility is currently under construction. Upon completion, the new Custody Suites facility will alleviate pressure on police stations outside of the capital, improve operational logistics and enhance security measures in the city.
On Thursday, this much was confirmed by Commissioner of Police Crucita Descartes-Pelius, at a media briefing involving the top ranks within the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force [RSLPF] to provide an update on the crime situation in the country.
On behalf of the RSLPF officers, the commissioner expressed gratitude to the prime minister for initiating the reconstruction of Custody Suites. She recalled that before the facility was demolished “it was easy when persons were apprehended and were taken to Custody Suites.”
She said that the new facility “will assist Major Crime and CID with their investigations. But when you don’t have the Custody Suites, it is a challenge that Major Crime (unit) faces because of the volume of crime to investigate and to be going across the length and breadth of Saint Lucia to find a cell to keep these offenders is a challenge.”
Added Descartes-Pelius: “When someone is arrested, the officers at CID and Major Crime have a very difficult task, because they have no place and nowhere in the city to keep these offenders.”
“So, having Custody Suites whether in Castries or Vieux Fort …is a plus. I am looking forward to the completion of Custody Suites …and the rank and file of the organisation looks forward to that,” Commissioner Descartes-Pelius said.