The Nassau Guardian
More crime fighting initiatives promised
National Security Minister Dr. Bernard Nottage said yesterday the recently revealed crime plan is the first in a series of initiatives the police force will roll out in the coming months in a bid to reduce the high level of violent crime.
"The step we announced on Friday, that's not the end of it," Nottage said. "We have a number of matters that we are bringing to the table.”
While Nottage did not reveal what the other components of the plan would be, he said police are considering various options.
The first phase of the plan calls for all police officers in New Providence to work 12-hour shifts.
Additionally, Nottage said officers in the police band, administration and support services would be deployed to the frontline.
He also indicated that 150 Royal Bahamas Defence Force marines were deployed to sedentary duties normally carried out by police officers.
The plan came in the wake of a spate of murders and other violent crimes.
The government has already faced criticisms on the initiatives announced on Friday.
Prominent religious leader Bishop Simeon Hall said the plan is too soft and will not address the problem of repeat offenders.
Free National Movement Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner questioned whether the changes would tire out police officers and weaken the nation's borders.
And Police Staff Association (PSA) Executive Chairman Inspector Dwight Smith said the association was “blindsided” by the government’s decision to place officers on 12-hour shifts.
But Nottage said yesterday the bottom line is there has to be a reduction in crime and violence.
“I have a country where people are afraid; they are fearful," he said.
"I have to act. I met with the commissioner of police. I met with executive management. I met with the commanders of the various divisions.
“I spelt out to them the situation as I see it, and I indicated to them steps that I intended to take after seeking advice from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.
"The police force is a disciplined force. The PSA is an association. It is not a trade union. If we are going to have law and order, it is important for everyone to know what their role is.”
Smith recalled challenges with the 12-hour shift system under the leadership of the late Bernard K. Bonamy, former police commissioner.
He said it created a lot of unease and sickness within the force.
But Nottage said all he is asking is for police to work hard.
"I need the policeman to be prepared to do his job and to do it well," he said. "[All] policemen know that when there are emergencies in the country that they might be required to go beyond what the normal working hours or conditions are.
“We need more bodies. We are not only looking to the police force. We have sought the assistance of the RBDF and they have provided us with the 150 men to help us and if we need more they will provide more. That's the state of the situation."
As for how long police will be required to work 12-hour shifts, Nottage said that will be assessed on an ongoing basis.
"When we feel that the matter is under control we will pull them back," he said.
"What we are trying to do is secure the peace and safety of the people of The Bahamas."
As for the suggestion that the move to involve 150 marines would weaken the country's borders, Nottage said none of the marines who are assisting police were a part of the unit that patrols the borders.
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