The Tribune

Former Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Thompson explains the need for strong and trusting relations between the force and society . . .

Experts have long known that the best deterrents to crime are sure detection, swift apprehension and appropriate punishment. Each is a necessary ingredient.

To achieve deterrence, police and public must work together, with the latter providing the information and support that the police need.

Both have a right to expect that the expertise and effort involved in the capture of criminals will be followed by speedy trials and realistic punishments.

Police relations with the Bahamian public have improved immensely since the introduction of community policing by former Commissioner Paul Farqhuarson some years ago. This practice has been continued by subsequent commissioners.

The upward-trending crime rate has caused us to realise that we are all exposed to the same dangers and this has brought us closer to law enforcement in our search for safety and security. This improved community relationship has led to a higher rate of detection and arrests, as well as a fall in certain types of crime.

As part of his responsibilities, the Commissioner of Police provides the government with a yearly plan, which includes measures to combat crime and secure the country from criminals. This plan also seeks to motivate police officers to adhere to their oath of office, which reads:

“We shall perform our duties in a manner which respects individual human rights and fairness, sensitivity and compassion. Yet we shall act in firm pursuit of all offenders of our laws, so as to ensure a just and safe society where neither crime or the fear of crime adversely affects the quality of life.

“We shall accomplish these goals with a high degree of professionalism, through leadership and teams of individuals who are competent, ethical and dedicated. We shall discharge our duties with courage, integrity, loyalty and - being ever mindful of a changing environment - with a willingness to embrace justified criticism and the need for change.”

Also in the Commissioner’s annual plan is the statement of common purpose, which asserts that the police, in partnership with residents and visitors, shall provide a total quality law enforcement service, with emphasis on the maintenance of law and order, the preservation of the peace, the prevention and detection of crime, the apprehension of offenders and the enforcement of all laws.

In addition to the oath of office and the statement of common purpose, the Commissioner’s plan contains matters pertaining to administration, personnel, training, accommodations, crime prevention education, finance and budget, as well as crime fighting strategies.

I think most would agree that our police have been very successful in the areas of detection and prevention, as we have seen a reduction in crime and our detection rate is high in comparison with other police forces in the region. But it could be even better if there were more avenues for effective public education.

I recall the popular Love 97 radio show, Policing Today, hosted by Assistant Commissioner Hulan Hanna, who is now retired. This programme was a a great asset in terms of police public relations. It provided enlightening details on crime and policing issues - including the identification of high crime areas, descriptions of criminal methodologies, and the kind of public support needed by the police to help them be more effective.

The show would often point out crimes that were caused by the sheer carelessness of victims. It described police successes in the fight against crime, and helped to promote public trust in the police.

Police officers are professionally crippled if they cannot effectively communicate the strengths and needs of the police service to the community through good public relations - especially media relations.

We are fortunate in the Bahamas to still have a reasonable relationship between law enforcement and journalism. And there have been significant accomplishments arising from active co-operation between the media and the police.

The media provides invaluable publicity that has often resulted in the early apprehension of criminals and the success of investigations of wide public interest. And the publication of life-saving instructions from emergency authorities has helped to avert the loss of life and property.

Accounts of police successes can underscore the futility of criminal activities. Photos of police officers at work, helping people in need, controlling disorder, executing an arrest or risking their own safety are excellent testimonies which can only enhance public trust.

Sometimes journalists will develop stories about abuse of authority, dereliction of duty or outright corruption by police officers. Both society and the police benefit by the exposure of such abuses.

But we should always remember that the large majority of well-meaning, honest officers who are dedicated to the fair and effective administration of justice need to receive the encouragement and support of the media.

The key to meaningful co-operation between the police and the press is for each to understand the role of the other. Not only should the police accept the public’s right to know, they must ensure that journalists receive full support at every level. Over my 30-year police career, The Tribune always supported and publicised my crime-solving efforts.

However, in my experience, relationships between police officers and lawyers are not nearly as cordial as those with the press.

A lawyer’s commitment is to defend his client. And many offenders caught red-handed during a break-in or with stolen property or illegal weapons in their possession would plead not guilty if represented by a lawyer. This is their right, but they are often unduly influenced by their attorney.

On top of this, long trial delays are often due to adjournments requested by lawyers for various reasons. Delays are an advantage to attorneys as witnesses can disappear, change their testimony or be intimidated; case files or exhibits may be lost. Very often this results in unwarranted acquittals.

Police brutality is one of the ploys used by lawyers around the world to make a defence, especially in cases where the accused has already confessed. Lawyers will seek to have confessions thrown out by the court due to allegations of coercion.

Investigations have often led to officers being charged and punished for such abuses, so it is not true to say that complaints are swept under the rug. However, it appears that in every case where there is a confession, a lawyer will claim police brutality even though the supporting evidence is inconclusive and in many instances untrue.

The ability of the police to perform their duties is dependent upon public approval of their actions. And the test of police efficiency is the absence or reduction of crime and disorder.

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