The Nassau Guardian
National security minister pleased with results of crime fight
Minister of National Security Dr. Bernard Nottage said yesterday while he does not want to take credit for the recent lull in violent crime, he is pleased with the work of the police force and defence force in the crime fight.
On September 6, Nottage announced an initiative that involved deploying 150 defence force officers to assist police and put officers on a 12-hour shift.
Nottage said he thinks the changes have had some impact.
“They have a measure of control over communities which are the hot spots and I’m just hoping that we can sustain this,” he said.
“As you know with officers working 12-hour shifts, it becomes quite difficult for them to do for a prolonged period. But we want to establish a culture in our communities now of the presence of police officers.
“I want the bad boys to expect them to be everywhere because they are everywhere. And if the community continues to work along with us, I expect us to continue to have a measure of success.
“I’m not prepared to take any credit. Things are better now, people appear to be less fearful, and we are going to do everything we can to maintain it.”
Nottage said he does not know how long officers will remain on the longer shift. He said that decision is up to Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade.
“I expect him to use his best judgment as to how long it is necessary,” Nottage said. “For me, I expect it to continue for some time.”
Nottage said 105 defence force officers have been reassigned to the police force so far. He said these officers have handled police work well.
“The defence force officers are getting a different experience because by and large they are isolated from the public,” he said.
“They are getting an opportunity and the public is getting an opportunity to know them as defence force officers and they will have found that these are a group of young, very well disciplined persons but who are no nonsense in the execution of their duties.
“Those who are doing the Urban Renewal patrols, etc, have been getting on like a house on fire. We are very pleased with them.”
Nottage rolled out the new crime plan after a dramatic rise in murders and violent attacks in August.
Thirteen people were murdered in two weeks.
The plan entailed moving police officers on sedentary duty to the front line and replacing them with RBDF officers.
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