NASSAU, The Bahamas -- A complex relationship between alcohol, illicit drug use and mental health issues, is fuelling the current levels of crime and criminality within The Bahamas, Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade said Monday.
Mr Greenslade said the Royal Bahamas Police Force will move with “firm resolve” to reduce the level of crime and criminality and the fear of crime within local communities by addressing many of these issues through integrated partnerships with public and private entities, including local communities.
The pledge came during the launch of the Commissioner’s Policy Plan 2010 at the Paul Farquharson Centre, Police Headquarters, East Street. Leaders of all of the major local law enforcement and national security agencies within the Commonwealth of The Bahamas were on hand for the launch. Church, business and community leaders were also in attendance for the launch.
Mr Greenslade said the adverse affects of illicit drugs and alcohol abuse are being manifested within communities by what he termed as the “unacceptably high levels” of serious crimes, and the proliferation of property crimes.
“We believe that there is a complex relationship between alcohol, illicit drug use and crime, notwithstanding that crime is also influenced by a multitude of other factors which must be taken into account in seeking solutions that are effective and sustainable,” Mr Greenslade said.
“These subordinate factors include, but are not limited to, undesirable network of friends, mental health issues, learning disabilities, chronic absenteeism, social and economic deprivation, lack of job skills and lack of life skills.
“There is a need therefore,” Mr Greenslade continued, “to continue programs to address these issues and many others.”
Mr Greenslade said the launch of the 2010 Integrated Crime Prevention, Intervention and Response Strategy (ICPIRS) by the Royal Bahamas Police Force embodies the Force’s strategic priorities of reducing serious crimes in The Bahamas, enhancing public safety, protecting the country’s borders and promoting positive youth engagement, involvement and intervention and “taking care of our people.”
The ICPIRS, he said, will guide the Force’s work over the next 12 months and will be the standard by which “we will judge our success in early 2011.”
“This crime reduction strategy is an integrated model which brings together all stakeholders in out communities to begin this very important work,” the Police Commissioner said.
“We believe that the strategy will create healthier and safer communities, reduce loss of life and serious harm to our people; reduce property loss; potentially lower insurance costs; increase productivity by individuals who otherwise may be a burden on society; increase the level of civic pride on the part of citizens and increase the level of job satisfaction and offer greater motivation for those involved in addressing crime in the community.”
Mr Greenslade said the primary objectives of the Policing Plan are to reduce crime and increase public safety, increase public involvement in reducing crime, improve public awareness around the perception and reality of crime and increase integration between all stakeholders involved in crime reduction.
“Notwithstanding our willingness and ability to play our role effectively, we recognize that if we are to achieve any measure of success, we have to work together with all sectors of society – all of our people,” Mr Greenslade said.
“We will therefore adopt a multi-sectoral approach to fighting crime in partnership with the communities of The Bahamas.
“We will engage stakeholders and our citizens at large, as we understand the importance of the collective will and influence of all of our people. We need all citizens and residents of The Bahamas to join us in reducing crime and increasing public safety in The Bahamas.
