Notwithstanding increased murders in 2014 over the previous year, Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade yesterday hailed last year's Commissioner's Policing Plan as having delivered "exceptionally good results".
Greenslade said several policing priorities for 2015 will remain the same as last year.
Some of these priorities include the prevention and detection of crime, reducing the fear of crime, restoring and maintaining public trust, working with young people and protecting the tourism industry.
Much like last year, Greenslade pledged to increase saturation patrols in crime hot spots, extend the use of closed circuit television cameras (CCTV) and to deploy intelligence-led operations to prevent crimes.
The force will also continue its community policing, including Urban Renewal, in order to prevent crimes and identify problems within communities that give rise to crime.
"In revising this policing plan, I have taken into account those initiatives and activities which have had a positive impact on successful policing during 2014," Greenslade said.
"This plan delivered exceptionally good results in 2014 and many of the initiatives launched are continuing to produce benefits.
"Therefore, many of the strategic objectives and allied actions are being retained in this 2015 policing plan."
According to statistics released yesterday, crime decreased overall by 18 percent.
With the exception of murder, attempted murder and attempted robbery, every category of crime decreased by double digits.
Greenslade acknowledged that murder, which increased three percent nationally (119 to 123), and high incidences of shootings, left residents in fear and has negatively impacted their quality of life.
"Notwithstanding the decreases in major crime in 2014, the current levels of crime are not only unacceptable, but can have far-reaching implications for our tourism industry," he said.
"Although the risk of tourists becoming victims of crime is low because of our proactive tourism policing initiatives, the perception is otherwise.
"Hence, special emphasis will be given to high visibility policing in those areas of The Bahamas frequented by tourists."
The commissioner promised to deploy more patrol officers to Bay Street and other historic downtown sites, including beaches frequented by visitors.
He said bus stops, taxi stands, parks and public areas will be monitored, in some cases with the use of closed circuit television cameras, to ensure visitors are not interfered with.
He also pledged to crack down on hawkers and drug peddlers who seek to sell residents and visitors illegal wares and substances.
More officers, where possible, will be deployed to the government's school policing program, Greenslade promised.
He said the force will continue to work alongside the Department of Social Services to make interventions with at-risk children.
The force will also provide victim support services for families and children who have been directly injured as a result of crime.
This will extend to children whose parents, guardians or relatives have been arrested and detained in police custody.
The force also plans to reduce the high number of traffic fatalities through "traffic enforcement and education".
Forty-seven people were killed in traffic accidents in 2014, the statistics revealed.
Motorists speeding, driving uninsured, in unregistered vehicles, under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be targeted, Greenslade said.
Greenslade also pledged more resources to prevent and prosecute serious crimes.
"Every aspect of police expenditure will be reviewed to ensure that the service gives value for money and economic restraint is widely practiced," he noted in the 2015 plan.

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