The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) received another K-9 this week.
The dog (which was donated by the French Government on Monday) will not only serve the RSLPF, but it will also be a vital asset to the Customs Department, Marine Unit, and other arms of law enforcement.
“It will bolster our efforts in intercepting the trafficking of illegal firearms and narcotics, two of the most serious threats to our national security,” Head of the Gangs, Narcotics, and Firearms Unit (GNFU) Shervon Matthieu, said on Monday.
According to him, “These crimes rob families of loved ones, fuel gang violence, strain our healthcare and our justice systems, and ultimately destabilize the economy and social fabric of our nation.
Our communities live in fear and our youth are often the ones most affected.”
With the K-9, “We are not just acquiring a dog, we are gaining a partner in the fight against transnational crime, a partner whose senses and instincts will help detect what human eyes and hands often miss. A partner who will assist in securing our ports, patrolling our streets and enhancing our overall investigative efforts,” Matthieu added.
The donation symbolises the deep bond between Saint Lucia and the French, Matthieu said.
“We are happy to be here in Saint Lucia and we want to foster links one way or another,” French Ambassador to Saint Lucia, Francis Etienne said on Monday.
“The dog embodies a lot of things… and this is not the last one this is just a step in future cooperation,” he added.
According to Police Commissioner Verne Garde, “We’ve also ensured that we do a number of strategic missions with the French.”
“We have gone to Martinique and the team has enjoyed the culture and the vernacular… unfortunately, we have seen extraditions from our nationals to the French to serve justice and these are necessary initiatives that we have to do. We also see the sharing of intelligence and now today again is another big step where we have a second K-9 to join the ranks of the Royal St. Lucia Police Force,” Commissioner Garde said.
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Dr. Mashama Sealy, reminded the public that their safety is a top priority and that “with every new tool, every new partnership and every new team member, we affirm our oath to serve and protect with excellence and integrity.”