POLICE TO RESTRUCTURE TACTICAL UNITS TO BUILD ON SUCCESSES OF 2018

Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 16, 2019 (SKNIS): Two tactical units in the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) are set to undergo a number of reforms in order to consolidate gains achieved in 2018 that led to the enhancement of public safety in the Federation.

“Since most of the violent criminal activities have been linked to gangs, the Anti Gang and the Anti Drug Taskforce will be reorganized to achieve more efficacious outcomes,” Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, said during his monthly press conference on Wednesday, January 16, 2019.

The Anti Gang Unit operates primarily in the rural areas of St. Kitts and is comprised of officers from the RSCNPF, St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force and Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise Department. The Anti Drug Unit or Drug Squad, as it is commonly referred to, carries out interdictory efforts related to narcotics.

Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police, Adolph Adams, said the restructuring process involves changes to the men and women in the units in order to maximize on the skills and experience of key personnel. New tactical strategies will also be included in their operations.

Previously, the RSCNPF revealed that preliminary data indicated that the number of crimes reported [in 2018] was down and the detection rate was set to equal or surpass the previous year. Additionally, the number of homicides last year was the same as 2017. The last reported case of homicide in the twin-island Federation was in October 2018.

“More operations will be targeted at the recovery of illegal firearm,” Dr. Harris added. “Our air and sea port operations will pay greater attention to detection and confiscation of illegal contraband including the guns and the ammunition.”

The police recovered 37 illegal firearms in 2018.

The prime minister thanked the security forces in St. Kitts and Nevis for their dedicated efforts to enhance public safety. He also praised the assistance of the team from the Regional Security System (RSS) who has buttressed the tactical operations of local law enforcement.

“My government believes in law and order and every effort will be made to ensure the safety and security of Kittitians and Nevisians and all who reside in and visit our beautiful country,” Prime Minister Harris said.