Published 10 January 2020
Buckie Got It. St. Kitts and Nevis News Source
Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 09, 2020 (SKNIS): The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force will double its efforts in crime fighting in 2020 by implementing three pillars of policing, says Commissioner of Police, Hilroy Brandy, during the Force’s New Year’s Celebration Service on January 09 at the NEMA Headquarters.
These three pillars of policing include community policing, intelligence-led policing and predictive policing said Commissioner Brandy.
“As it relates to community policing, it is vital that we establish a respectable rapport with community members,” he said. “Our relationship with the public must be so close that they understand how we feel and what we do, and we, in turn, understand how they feel and what they want for themselves and their communities.”
In order to accomplish this goal, said the commissioner, the RSCNPF will continue to embrace the four E’s of community policing, namely: Enforcement, Engagement, Education and Engineering.
“Therefore, the following must be continued or initiated: Educating the public about crime prevention using traditional and social media; continuing to engage with persons where they live; we must also be involved in and become members of community-based groups; speaking with young people and assisting youth groups with their community projects; re-introduce the Police Boys Scouts and; enhance the School Liaison Officer Programme to encourage positive activities after school, in the evening and on weekends.”
Commissioner Brandy stated that when community policing is effectively actioned, “residents are more likely to have a favourable view of the Force, thereby improving their trust and providing more accurate and timely information on criminal activities.”
This will ultimately lead to the second goal, which is Intelligence-led policing which has a number of facets, he said, adding that this area is just as invaluable as the first.
“Intelligence-led policing dictates that we ought to continue establishing a database of known criminals, gang members and their associates. It also emphasizes the need to continue the CCTV
Project Expanded Surveillance Programme to include the use of drones. Similarly, digital geographical mapping of the Federation is an essential ingredient to this goal and should be implemented. What is critical, however, is the use of current statistical data analysis to monitor changing trends and patterns so that we can adapt to suite.”
He noted that when the two types of policing are combined it will lead to Predictive Policing.
“In our line of work, critical thinking, sound analytical skills and the ability to think ahead are key ingredients to achieving our goals,” said Commissioner Brandy. “It not only aids in quelling possible criminal activity, but it allows for us, as law enforcers, to evade possible danger. While we remain concerned about the public’s safety, which is undoubtedly our mandate, we must also be cognizant of our own threats.”
Commissioner Brandy said that to effectively implement these three pillars, in-house training is expected to be undertaken by senior Police Officers.
