The High Command of the Royal St Lucia Police Force [RSLPF] has assured Saint Lucians that strategies are being implemented to deal with crime on the island.
On Thursday, the RSLPF hierarchy met with the media for an update on the crime situation island-wide, over a period of eleven months and projections for the future, noting that the formation of strategic partnerships with different community groups and other stakeholders is paramount to combatting the scourge of criminal activity permeating the fabric of the society.
Commissioner of Police Crusita Descartes-Pelius described the happenings of the past year as a period where officers learnt many lessons. She said as violence peaked in many of the communities, the police had to draw from the available resources to mitigate these matters.
“Partnerships were formed with social agencies, community groups, faith-based organisations, educational institutions, and youth groups among others,” Descartes-Pelius told reporters.
The COP recalled that during this time, the commissioner’s office met with key personnel from several groups, “who brainstormed on possible solutions to crime – short and long term”. The union among the two parties led to the formation of sub committees to implement “these ideas”.
Added Descartes -Pelius: “These critical stakeholder partnerships generated much success for the organisation …and I am indeed hopeful for the path that we are chartering to achieve our mandate of crime prevention, reduction and improved citizen security.”
Furthermore, she explained, the addition of the 555 Hotline “enabled us to utilize information beyond (the) information provided anonymously to solve crime and disrupt criminal activity.”
The commissioner said this enabled the public to entrust the police more profoundly. She noted that the police recorded “impressive figures” with the seizure of firearms, ammunition and component parts of a weapon; as well as, traffic interventions “which served as deterrents to other criminal activity.”
On the Immigration Department issue, she said, measures are in place for relocation of the department to better serve the public and the police.
Descartes-Pelius underlined the importance of the enacted Suppression of Escalated Crime Police Powers Act, which will be used “to limit the reach of organized criminal entities. The use of these in enforcement will undoubtedly increase positive outcomes in our operational activities.”
The commissioner further underscored the necessity of the traffic check points that yielded the seizure of guns and illegal drugs, and in some instances the apprehension of illegal immigrants.
Descartes-Pelius noted that providing training and developmental standards to law enforcement officers is vital towards the overall development of the force. “As such, training geared towards continued development of professional standards and ethics will be undertaken,” she explained. “Not only will officers be taught how to de-escalate situations, they will also be equipped to effectively use force when necessary.”
Among other issues of note, the commissioner disclosed that the proposed Sexual Harassment Policy “is in an advanced drafting stage”, and aims “to provide redress to anyone who may fall victim to such incidents”.
The “community policing culture” is excepted to be re-enforced this year, “with a greater thrust on more time being committed to being within the communities we serve,” noted Descartes-Pelius.
She added, “There must be greater emphasis placed on building trust and maintaining that trust with the public.”
Summing up, the commissioner stated that the RSLPF anticipates pressure from criminal elements, both internally and externally.
Nonetheless, she asserted: “As we work collectively to ensure a safer Saint Lucia, I implore the public to work together with the police. The criminal you support today will bring sorrow to your door tomorrow. If you spot a crime, report it.”