From:TheBahamasWeekly.com

Bahamas Information Services Updates
PM Minnis says Government Relentless in its Crime-Fighting Efforts
By Lindsay Thompson
Jan 23, 2019 - 8:35:18 PM



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Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Hubert Minnis addressing the contract signing ceremony between the Ministry of National Security and ShotSpotter Technology, a US -based company known for its technology in detecting gunshots being fired, almost immediately, in criminal activities. The ceremony was held at the SLS Baha Mar, Wednesday, January 23, 2019. (BIS Photo/Yontalay Bowe)

NASSAU, The Bahamas -- Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Hubert Minnis said his Government will be relentless in its efforts in reducing crime for a safer and secure Bahamas.

He was addressing the contract signing ceremony between the Ministry of National Security and ShotSpotter Technology, a US -based company known for its technology in detecting gunshots being fired, almost immediately, in criminal activities.

The aim is to put a dent in criminal activities in The Bahamas involving illegal guns. The technology, which cost an estimated $1.9 million, is expected to come on stream before the end of this quarter.

“In addition to such advanced gun-detection technology, we will employ other cutting-edge and effective technological and scientific advances to make our people and our country safer and more secure,” the Prime Minister said.

The ceremony took place at the SLS Baha Mar, Wednesday, January 23, 2019.

Also present were the Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin Dames; Stephanie Bowers, Charge d’Affaires of the US Embassy, Nassau; members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force; other Government officials and representatives from ShotSpotter Technology.

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Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Hubert Minnis at the contract signing ceremony between the Ministry of National Security and ShotSpotter Technology, a US -based company known for its technology in detecting gunshots being fired, almost immediately, in criminal activities. The ceremony was held Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at the SLS Baha Mar on Cable Beach. He is pictured with the Hon. Marvin Dames, Minister of National Security. (BIS Photo/Yontalay Bowe)

The Prime Minister deemed the contract signing as another critical initiative in the Government’s strategy to making The Bahamas safer.

“I am pleased that today we are fulfilling another promise to the Bahamian people of introducing gun detection technology to our crime- fighting arsenal,” he said.

ShotSpotter Technology is expected to come on stream before the end of this first quarter.  This project will cost $1.9 million over a three-year period.  It is anticipated that the technology may help to significantly reduce crime across the country.   

“I am very pleased that we will implement this innovative and highly-successful technology, the Prime Minister said.

This advanced technology is also expected to aid in further decreasing gun violence and homicides. ShotSpotter has the capacity to increase gun-fire awareness by 500 per cent.  The ShotSpotter Technology is known to utilize acoustic technology to identify when and where a gunshot is fired. This will lead to the more precise detection and location of incidents. 

“Along with job creation, economic growth and our opportunity agenda, the safety and the security of citizens, residents and guests, is among the highest priorities of our government,” the Prime Minister said.

The Police Force has recorded that last year the country experienced a 25 per cent decrease in homicides, the first time in nearly a decade. Plus, there was an overall decrease in crime of eight per cent.

“These decreases are the result of very hard work, better policing and leadership, and a more comprehensive strategy to reduce crime,” the Prime Minister said.

“This includes the use of advanced technology to prevent and to detect crime, and to apprehend and monitor criminals, and those who want to do harm and to commit crime.”

In this vein, he thanked the Minister of National Security, the Commissioner of Police and his leadership team, as well as the members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, for their “unyielding efforts in combating crime and protecting Bahamians, residents and visitors.”

The Prime Minister said that while this is pleasing, there is still much work to be done to make the Bahamian people feel safer and more secure.

“We must continue to work aggressively to reduce other crimes on people and property. We can never rest on our laurels in fighting crime and protecting the Bahamian people from criminal violence.

We must do everything we can to protect Bahamians, residents and visitors,” he said.



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