Garde unveils comprehensive anti-crime plan

Acting police chief Verne Garde has unveiled his promised plan to combat crime, emphasizing the development of community policing strategies to portray the police as part of the community.

“This will be achieved through a variety of proactive measures aimed at preventing and reducing crime in cooperation with the public and other stakeholders,” Garde said in a video posted on the police Facebook page.

He said the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) plans to implement a neighbourhood policing strategy for crime prevention based on effective engagement and consultation, with a focused visible police presence through foot and mobile patrols, and the use of bicycles and quad bikes.

The acting police chief explained that the emphasis would be on intelligence-driven, problem-solving and community-oriented policing.

“The police will work closely with the public to stay informed about issues affecting the community, maintaining a two-way conversation and remaining active within the community and partner organizations,” Garde said.

He said the police would utilise the full potential of the CCTV system, not only as an investigative tool but also to gather information to guide patrols and missions.

In addition, the acting police chief announced that jet skis would facilitate patrols on the beach, in the bay and along the coast.

Garde also mentioned the use of more advanced communication tools, such as bodycams, radios and communication apps.

He indicated that guns, ammunition, gang crimes and murders are among the four most common problems that threaten the safety and security of the community in recent times.

According to the top police chief, the problems are interrelated and must be tackled simultaneously.

“We will deploy a salvo of targeted missions to address these issues. To do this effectively, we will employ a combination of intelligence-led, community engagement and problem-solving techniques specifically designed to support criminal prosecutions,” Garde said.

“The full extent of the law will be used to execute targeted warrants to break up gangs and make arrests,” he claimed.

Garde explained that the anti-crime plan involved the police expanding its tentacles by using allied agencies such as private security and detective agencies.

He talked about legitimizing these people so that they would have the legal authority to arrest people.

“Our allied agencies are a vital part of the national security environment and have been overlooked for years,” Garde said.

He also indicated that the necessary legitimacy to make police work possible would come from a certified regime and a ‘robust screening system’.

According to Garde, this would support the police’s neighborhood policing agenda.