The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Advice has been forthcoming from Police Officers and their former colleagues on crime for decades. The politicians from the Pindling era never really considered our suggestions. In the following paragraphs I will provide some advice on measures that should be considered and implemented. I will be brief and I will be open to the public for questions and discussions.

We must have faith in our Law Enforcement Agencies, support their efforts, applaud their performance and pray for their safety in this time of grave danger.

Reintroduce the Gun Court for the rapid trials of those persons arrested for possession of guns and ammunition. There must be a jail term for those convicted. Sentencing of convicted smugglers should be done by the Supreme Court for appropriate punishment.

A special reward fund or information leading to the arrest, recovery and conviction of persons in possession of guns and ammunition. Government could seek donations from the Chamber of Commerce and private corporations. The rewards must include law enforcement personnel.

Potential murder victims should tell the Police of their fears and the true reasons for such fears. Their lives are in jeopardy for various reasons, including stealing drugs shipments, love relationships, revenge of the gangs and the paid killings. Murder is not a preventable crime, but potential victims could take certain steps to be safe, which includes speaking to the Police.

There must be no interference from anyone in the performance and decisions of law enforcement officers. Examples of interference of which I speak, includes the BEC scandal and the elimination of shanty towns, to name just two. Allow law enforcement to function without interference and uninterrupted.

Enforce the provisions of the law relative to the seizure and forfeiture of the proceeds of crime. There is a lot of assets out there, that could be used in the crime fight. Much of it is being used to fight extradition.

Ban copper exports and stop “cash for gold”. Both are encouraging thefts, robberies and burglaries. Police should visit metal dealers and those found with copper on their premises must be made to account. Failure to do so should result in arrests for Unlawful Possession.

Shanty towns must be eliminated. It is unhealthy, a flagrant rejection of the law, a hiding place for criminals and dens for unlawful activity, such as shops, prostitution, harbouring illegal immigrants and criminals.

Revisit the MOTOROLA GPS technology to be installed in all Police vehicles, which would allow the Officer in charge of the Police Control Room to see the vehicles on patrol on the streets of New Providence. This technology would enhance Police Rapid Response, and ensure that the vehicles do not leave the areas assigned without his knowledge and approval. We know that rapid response can prevent and detect crime. The Police Controller would be able to set up road blocks efficiently and effectively.

Legislation to reduce the number of trials by jury. Consider trials for crimes such as armed robbery to be heard by judges. It would help “Quick Justice” as trials would be much faster.

Corruption and Bribery appears to be a way of life in our country. Political leaders must ensure that they adhere to the laws of our country. Public Disclosure must be enforced. Law Enforcement officers must be under scrunity. The public must be encouraged to report corrupt practices within the service.

Police must tackle minor crime with the same energy as the serious crimes. There should be no strip joints, no parking on sidewalks, persons serving food, in particular in school areas, must have the required health certificate. Motorcyclists have no respect for the law. They ride without helmets, no licence plates on the vehicles, ride dangerously in school zones, ride on sidewalks and against the flow of traffic on one-way streets. Our children see them breaking the law.

Many cases of home invasion could be stopped if householders would install proper locking devices on their doors. Install peep holes in doors. Homes must be properly secured when retiring.

The government’s plan to rid our country of illegal immigrants must receive our full support. It is dangerous to have tens of thousands of people living in our country unknown to us. We do not have names, addresses or description of them anywhere. We must be reminded that during the earthquake in Haiti hundreds of dangerous criminals escaped from prisons. There was also a massive prison escape about a year ago. We know that some of these persons are involved in crime. It is my opinion that all foreigners convicted or proved to be involved in major crimes must be deported.

Consider the death penalty for capital murders e.g. the killing in the course of furtherance of crime, killing a policeman in the execution of his duty, killing a prison officer while trying to escape, killing by poisoning and by explosives.

Many years ago recommendations were made to the Pindling administration to have the maximum security prison built on Inagua or Ragged Island. The recommendation was made by former Commissioner Salathiel Thompson. He was fearful, that all of our very violent criminals are being held in the mecca of our tourism. In addition he suggested, that the present prison be used for the training of young offenders in trades, such as carpentry, masonry, mechanic/bodywork, welding and other trades, that would assist them in getting jobs upon their release. We had visited Borstal Institution in the U.K. where we were exposed to this system of rehabilitation. At the time the Canadians would have been interested in assisting us.

Crime is not a political problem, it is a people problem. The politicians must stop the blame game. It would take real men in politics to get together and plan what needs to be done.

In conclusion, I wish to commend the Police and other law enforcement services for their performance in the face of danger.

We served with honour. We remember with pride.

PAUL THOMPSON, SR.,

Nassau,

September 25, 2015.