By SANCHESKA BROWN
Tribune Staff Reporter
sbrown@tribunemedia.net
A POLICE unit specifically aimed at organised gangs will be formed in an effort to combat escalating crime, Prime Minister Perry Christie said yesterday.
The 12-hour shift will also be re-introduced, said Mr Christie, as he outlined more than two dozen ‘key measures’ he said have either been taken, or will shortly be taken, to escalate the war on crime.
Mr Christie said, if necessary, the government will pass laws to bind the hands of judges to prevent them from allowing persons accused of serious crimes to be granted bail.
“The reinstatement of the 12-hour policing shift, possibly on new terms, is now the subject of intense study and discussion. A further announcement on this subject can be expected once the necessary consultations within law enforcement have been completed. The Government is deeply concerned about the number of persons who are arrested and charged with serious crimes while out on bail. This is a major problem in the war against crime.
“The Government is fully prepared to legislatively intervene to impose additional restrictions on the ability of judges to grant bail in offences involving crimes of violence and the use of firearms,” the Prime Minister said.
“Cabinet has directed the Ministry of Works to work around the clock to complete refurbishment of additional criminal courts so that as many as 10 criminal courts will be able to hear criminal cases simultaneously.
“This massive expansion of the judicial infrastructure will enable criminal cases to be disposed of much more quickly and efficiently which, in turn, should dramatically reduce the number of persons released on bail while at the same time ensuring that violent offenders are kept securely behind bars to serve their sentences once they have been speedily convicted. The courts will be properly resourced in additional ways so as
to eliminate delays and postponements. Measures in this regard will be especially directed at curbing unnecessary adjournments and delays.”
The Prime Minister also said measures will be reinforced by aggressive initiatives under operation ‘Cease Fire’ including targeting prolific offenders, the appointment of new judges and public defenders and the formation of a Gang Unit.
Mr Christie said the government will not compromise itself in an effort to relentlessly fight the scourge of crime.
Comments
JohnDoes 10 years, 3 months ago
This Gang Unit should have been implemented years ago. The Gang Unit is what is actually helping both New York & Chicago crack down on gangs. You do need a permanent department that handles and focuses on just Gangs just like how the DEU focuses on just drugs. These gangs are behind serious organized crime. Just how the RBPF came out with Rapid Strike for crime intervention and gun removal, they should also bring that back to assist the Gang Unit, all unmarked and plain clothes. I must also admit that some officers take these types of responsibilities for granted and abuse their powers. So however these are implemented, officer safety, public safety and respect must also be adhered. Please bring the professionals out, not the bad attitude cronies. They have to recognize that profiling is not the answer, not everyone is a criminal and they must also announce themselves accordingly, and handle persons with respect. I can see this working, but because of the many misconducts of officers themselves, this can also be very detrimental to the whole initiative.
B_I_D___ 10 years, 3 months ago
I was actually surprised and dumbfounded to read that we did NOT have a gang unit already in action. The government...both of them, should have had a gang unit in place for YEARS!! The police should have created the gang unit years ago, regardless of governments...just another example of how the police do nothing with their own initiative, they need to wait until the politicians (who have no clue as to what policing is about) come up with some ideas and force them to implement something. The police force should be creating these task forces on their own initiative...unless of course they are truly just government puppets.
concernedcitizen 10 years, 3 months ago
They are serious , look at their somber faces ..The funny thing is i see at least three people in the picture that don,t have a moral fiber in their body ..One of them is only there b/c as a police inspector on the PLP,S last term he could find any corruption in one of the others term concerning the low cost housing ...Truth be told we are a near moralless people that cloak it all in platitudes from the bible ,that really only survive b/c of our proximity to the US and large resorts desires to capatalize on it ,,,
hj 10 years, 3 months ago
How comforting must be for the Bahamian people that PC with a stern voice announced his new anti crime plan. He reminded me of the night he "ordered" the web shops to close down. I suppose many criminals will now loose their sleep after hearing the new plan.
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 3 months ago
"Cabinet has directed the Ministry of Works to work around the clock to complete refurbishment of additional criminal courts"
Should this have all been completed as a matter of PRIORITY before they handed a 20million dollar contract to Daryl Rolle to build an agricultural school? Have they completed their feasibility study to see if there is sufficient interest in the school? I doubt it. Will it be worth the investment or will it be a ghost town? Does the construction of the school actually require 20 million dollars? Doubt it again. Another padded contract for the boys while Bahamians are dropping in the street like flies.
Just look at those nice silk ties and fancy suits. A rather good looking bunch. We've a lot to be proud of. Our people certainly know how to shop.
Thinker 10 years, 3 months ago
Great, more money going out to serious thieves like Daryl Rolle???!!!! Incomprehensible!! I think I almost just fell out my chair.
Thinker 10 years, 3 months ago
Why didn't they put 20 million into the present schools that are suffering? I think I have just lost all hope with these fools.
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 3 months ago
And btw, Nottage needs to resign.
By PACO NUNEZ Tribune News Editor LESS than two weeks in, and the new Minister of National Security is already threatening to make the PLP's stance on crime look confused, constrained and contradictory. This, at a time when - as the latest US travel warning so dramatically demonstrated - the Bahamas can little afford to be seen as weak on criminals.
ON THE eve of the election, soon-to-be Prime Minister Perry Christie said the rise in criminal activity was the number one challenge facing the country, and in its Charter for Governance the PLP promised to "immediately reinvigorate the fight against crime and violence" if elected.
It's not hard to see why the party placed such emphasis on the issue. Public opinion had spoken loud and clear on numerous occasions - the people wanted action.
The FNM also heard the cry. In the last year of its term, the former government undertook a number of legislative changes collectively referred to as the "Anti-crime Bills". ..... Why then, has the minister come out and declared he is in the process of reviewing the Anti-crime Bills, with a view to reversing some of the changes, in particular some of the mandatory higher sentences?
Bahamianpride 10 years, 3 months ago
That's not a plan, that's more b.s., 12 hr shift causes burnouts in that enviroment, u want them on 8's.. We are not dealing with gangs but rather sets & neigborhood groups.. First problem is too many people out of Patrol, patrol is the backbone of any police agency & to effectively deal with street crime u need people on the street, Trust me I have 15 years Law Enforcement experience. U cannot reduce crime with a bloated top heavy agency with a bunch of people working bankers hours. U cannot defeat crime without the help of the community or a relationship with the community. U cannot fight crime if prayer & qouting scripture is your solution to lifes problems. U cannot defeat crime long term with a bunch of reckless breeding, piss poorly educated, unemployed, young men running around without a purpose. U cannot fight crime by being reactive, u must be proactive. Lastly, U cannot defeat crime if your national security minister is a gynocologist..
concernedcitizen 10 years, 3 months ago
WELL PUT ~!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 3 months ago
Nottage needs to resign (or Perry Christie could lead and move him)
wearedone 10 years, 3 months ago
Yes, how about a plan to educate the people. In my opinion that is where money needs to be invested.
TheMadHatter 10 years, 3 months ago
I fear that it may just be more talk - BUT IF they are serious about building 10 more courts (or changing 10 existing buildings into courts, AND appointing more judges (and also don't forget the stenographers that OFTEN cause courts to shut down due to their desire not to show up to work "whenever they feel" - THEN it will be great.
It is the exact prescription that is needed (along with a database to handle the case scheduling).
However, I did not hear a date. If only the PM could say that there WILL BE 10 more courts with judges and associated staff in complete operation by March 31st or else the Permanent Secretaries of the Min of Works and the AG's office and the AG herself along with whatever 3 people are immediately in power below each of them (I mean 3 each) WILL BE FIRED IN THE INTEREST OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE (which he has the power to do) - THEN MAYBE he will get results.
He needs to make it clear that they ALL will be fired at 5pm March 31st if the courts were not in session (all 10 additional of them) on that day (a Monday).
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 3 months ago
Yep, accountability is a good thing
carmichaelrdgal 10 years, 3 months ago
Time to call election. Chase those crazy ballheads otta de house
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 3 months ago
How much time do you think it will take this crew to complete the pillage job?
ProfessorTinker 10 years, 3 months ago
It is so sad to see this beautiful country go down the drain. But who can we blame. We have to blame the people of this country for continuing to put the same retarded, stupid, ignorant people in office time and time again because they got bribe for a job, a turkey, or a free party. People wake up or else you will be fleeing your country just like the Haitians and all the other illegal immigrants that you have invading your country. Just look at Fox Hill such a quiet place for this to happen the country should be on lock down and beat these stupid ignorant gangster to there graves. People Wake UP. Protest the removal of all members of government to resign with 10 plus years of service the government needs a total recall. Please read your constitution.
crabman 10 years, 3 months ago
Same old stuff ya hear when the heat is on, this one gonna do this and dat one gonna due dat been hearing it since the Pingdom was in power and he columbians ran the government stop talking and do something, i suggest ya start by making all the lawyers and judges take a polygrapgh to see if dey is being straight (gonna lose have of the bench to those who run away and hide and da other half to police prosecution) as for da lawyers dey is all going to the gray bar hotel
the title of this picture should be "WE BAD" or "Muddo I is vexed I thought 014 was gonna fall for sure" got's to catch maself i is laffin like der ain no tomorrow
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