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From:TheBahamasWeekly.com Bahamas Information Services Updates
NASSAU, The Bahamas -- The Royal Bahamas Police Force has developed and implemented an eight-point plan in order to reduce crime and criminality in The Bahamas.
The plan is tied to the Force’s
Neighbourhood Community Policing Program and includes the continued
deployment of civilian support staff to departments and sections of
the Force “where they are best suited” in order to release trained
officers from administrative duty to operational duties, among other
measures.
Addressing the opening session
of the first Regional Community-based Policing Conference Tuesday, Police
Commissioner Ellison Greenslade said enhancing police visibility in
communities by deploying more officers to the front lines will better
serve the public.
“Divisional Commanders
and Department Heads will be assessed on their willingness and commitment
to this fundamental improvement in their areas of responsibility,”
Mr Greenslade said.
“Efforts must be made to
keep offices in the communities and on the streets as opposed to confinement
in police stations,” he added.
Mr Greenslade said the continued
deployment of police officers to the front lines will also provide “real
evidence” that the police are available to interdict crimes and protect
citizens.
He said the Force is working
more closely with the various communities to encourage community involvement
in the prevention and detection of crime.
“This involves continued
support of (existing) Neighbourhood Watch Groups and the formation of
new groups,” Mr Greenslade added.
The Police Commissioner said
greater focus has also been placed on crime prevention and the launching
of crime prevention initiatives that will prevent crimes from happening
in the first place, and on further enhancing the Force’s National
Crime Prevention Office (NCPO) in recognition of the vital role it plays
in crime prevention.
He said the Force will also
continue to work “to close the demand gap” by embracing a “citizen
focused” approach. This approach involves dialogue with members of
the community, taking into account the views of the community.
“Police Forces cannot solve
the crime problems of The Bahamas alone,” Mr Greenslade. “All citizens
and residents of The Bahamas must play an active role in helping to
make The Bahamas a safer place to live, work, visit and play.”
Mr Greenslade told participants
from 19 regional and CARICOM countries that the Royal Bahamas Police
Force recognized “many years ago” that Community-based Policing
would be of invaluable service in the fight against crime.
He said the key to its success
is having every Police Officer embrace the concept of neighbourhood
policing.
“Every police officer must
see him or herself as a neighbourhood or community police officer and
that they have a significant role to play in engendering community support,”
Mr. Greenslade added.
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