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ENSURING SAFETY

Nov 14, 2015 Editorial, Features / Columnists

The recent savage and brazen attack on a group of people on America Street by armed bandits is a baptism of fire for the government and the Minister of Public Security. The message is clear; the elections are over, and it is back to murder and armed robbery until the government gets a handle on crime.
This is not likely to happen soon even though the US will be involved. Robbed in full view were a number of money changers. Guns are the issue and getting rid of them is an absolute and urgent priority for the Government.
More than 100 murders and almost 900 armed robberies in the first nine months of the year is not the kind of news that the people want to hear. It is particularly disheartening for them who only six months ago had voted for the government that campaigned on the reduction of crime and a better life for all.
Fighting crime seems to be a major challenge for the Minister of Public Security who on several occasions had ridiculed the former Minister of Home Affairs for being weak on crime. Now that the ball is in his court, crime is still there although the Crime Chief says that it has not skyrocketed.
What is the status of the State’s surveillance system; the promise to reform the Police Force, weed out the rogue cops and hold police officers accountable for the failure to reduce crime in their districts? The rogue officers who allegedly collaborate with criminals and who supposedly thrive off illicit activities are doing so out of necessity due to their low wages. However, unless and until the rogue cops are weeded out from the force, the lives of the people will remain in danger.
The use of high powered guns to rob innocent citizens is clearly intended to intimidate the masses who are the most vulnerable since, on a daily basis, they unknowingly interact with some of the deadliest criminals in society. This underscores the urgent need to implement new crime fighting techniques to remove this scourge from society. It is both alarming and frustrating when criminals attack innocent citizens with impunity.
Aided by technology, there must be a return to a common sense approach to fight crime. It must begin with a complete re-assessment of the existing security apparatus. Because of the boldness of the criminals, fighting crime should be an issue for the whole government and not only the Ministry of Public Security.
All ministries and state agencies should share the responsibility and be accountable for the security and safety of the nation. Despite the gun amnesty programme, armed robberies and murders continued. It is estimated that for every gun turned in during the amnesty program, five new ones appeared on the streets. The citizens want decisive and effective action from the government.
But the government has not yet crafted a crime strategy. However, an effective and efficient Police Force supported by adequate resources for crime containment and prevention is a critical part of the solution. There are other elements that must be implemented to complete the mosaic of a serious crime reduction strategy.
The government has to think “outside the box” and adopt a number of proactive measures such as building effective partnerships among agencies dealing with violent and white collar crime and drug-related money laundering activities; establish a crime database that will provide relevant statistical information to guide law enforcement; introduce creative efforts to regain the confidence of the people, support them as a partner in crime detection, and enhance the ability of the intelligence system to monitor criminal activities, especially those with overseas connections.
Improving relationship between the public and the police is perhaps the most important element needed to fight crime.

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