Police have made arrests after two American tourists were abducted in Exuma yesterday when three masked men broke into their vacation home, blindfolded them and forced them to withdraw money from a nearby bank.

The incident reportedly happened around 12.15am in George Town. #Police said the male and female tourist were asleep when three armed men dressed in dark clothing broke into their home and wakened them. #After the men blindfolded the couple, they took them to a nearby ATM machine where they were forced to withdraw large amounts of cash. #Police said they were released shortly afterwards unharmed. #The Tribune understands that thousands of dollars were stolen. #“Officers from the criminal investigation department, New Providence will travel to Exuma to assist their colleagues with their investigations,” police said. #This latest incident comes as police are investigating a series of armed robberies in the country. #Last year, armed robberies jumped by 34 per cent, with 555 incidents recorded. #Four hundred and fifteen armed robberies were reported in 2021.

The incident reportedly happened around 12.15am in George Town.

Police said the male and female tourist were asleep when three armed men dressed in dark clothing broke into their home and wakened them.

After the men blindfolded the couple, they took them to a nearby ATM machine where they were forced to withdraw large amounts of cash.

Police said they were released shortly afterwards unharmed.

The Tribune understands that thousands of dollars were stolen.

“Officers from the criminal investigation department, New Providence will travel to Exuma to assist their colleagues with their investigations,” police said.

This latest incident comes as police are investigating a series of armed robberies in the country.

Last year, armed robberies jumped by 34 per cent, with 555 incidents recorded.

Four hundred and fifteen armed robberies were reported in 2021.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) is responsible for preventing crime and ensuring public safety in The Bahamas. The effectiveness of the RBPF in preventing crime can be assessed by looking at crime statistics and other indicators. In the past decade, crime has continued to be at an all-time high. Unfortunately, their efforts have not proven to be effective since crime continues to be at an all-time high, especially in the past decade. This continued increase signals a need to reform our country's defense against criminals. In this segment, we will discuss what steps can be taken to change the landscape of safety in our country.

The need for reform

The RBPF has faced challenges in preventing crime, and there is room for improvement in this area. In recent years, The Bahamas has experienced relatively high levels of crime, including violent crime and property crime. According to the latest available data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, The Bahamas has a high rate of both violent crime and property crime. In terms of violent crime, The Bahamas has a homicide rate of 29.7 per 100,000 people, which is one of the highest in the world. This rate is significantly higher than the global average of 5.3 per 100,000 people. In terms of property crime, The Bahamas also has a high rate, with an overall crime rate of 4,470 per 100,000 people. This includes crimes such as burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft.

In addition, the RBPF's clearance rates for some types of crime have been relatively low. Clearance rates refer to the percentage of crimes that are solved by the police. Higher clearance rates can indicate that the police force is effective in preventing and solving crimes. According to the RBPF's Annual Crime Report for 2020, the overall clearance rate for all reported crimes was 29%. This means that only about one-third of reported crimes were solved by the police. Here are the clearance rates for some specific types of crimes in 2020: Homicide: 70%, Rape: 47%, Robbery: 15%, Burglary: 11% and Theft: 5%.

These statistics can be impacted by various factors, such as the availability of evidence, witness cooperation, and the quality of police investigations. The RBPF has made efforts to improve clearance and crime rates, such as implementing specialized units and using technology to enhance investigations. However, there is still room for improvement in this area.

Unfortunately, their efforts have not proved to be effective in getting to the root of the problem. Perhaps, the reform needed for the RBPF is to first start with taking a step back. How can they address the underlying factors that lead to high crime rates? The underlying factors that contribute to crime are poverty, unemployment, and social inequality. By working collaboratively with the community, investing in technology and professional development, and improving accountability and oversight, the RBPF can take a more effective approach to preventing crime and ensuring public safety.

Actions speak louder than words.

Here are some ways that the RBPF can work to reform crime:

1. Community policing: The RBPF should place a greater emphasis on community policing strategies that involve working closely with the community to identify and address the root causes of crime. This approach can help to build trust between the police and the community and can lead to more effective crime prevention efforts.

2. Technology and intelligence: The RBPF can invest in technology and intelligence gathering capabilities to enhance its ability to prevent and investigate crime. This can include the use of surveillance cameras, data analytics, and other tools to identify crime patterns and target resources more effectively.

3. Specialized units: The RBPF can create specialized units to focus on specific types of crime, such as gangs, drugs, or financial crimes. These units can bring a higher level of expertise and resources to investigations and can be more effective in preventing crime.

4. Professional development: The RBPF can invest in the professional development of its officers, including training and education programs that enhance their skills and knowledge. This can help to improve the quality of police work and lead to more effective crime prevention efforts.

5. Accountability and oversight: The RBPF can improve its accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure that officers are held to high standards of conduct and that complaints of misconduct are thoroughly investigated. This can help to build trust between the police and the community and can lead to more effective crime prevention efforts.

It is important to note that the RBPF has made efforts to implement some of these measures. However, the most important factor that ensures these measures are effective is morale. Having low morale amongst officers can create challenges which can impact the effectiveness and professionalism of the police force. In addition, the RBPF has faced challenges with resource constraints, including inadequate funding, equipment, and personnel, which can impact the police force's ability to effectively serve the community. Therefore, if we want a force that works for us, we should also take steps to ensure they can properly do their jobs.

Building trust

The public's perception of the RBPF is shaped by a variety of factors, including personal experiences, media coverage, cultural beliefs, and community relations. According to a survey conducted by the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers' Confederation in 2020, the majority of respondents (62 percent) indicated that they had a moderate to high level of trust in the RBPF. But a 2017 survey conducted by the RBPF found that the majority of respondents (72 percent) indicated that they had a good relationship with the police. This shows that there has been a decline in the level of trust that Bahamians have with the RBDF. In addition, there have been instances where the RBPF has been accused of corruption and police brutality. These incidents can erode public trust in the police force and lead to negative perceptions of the RBPF. While there are challenges that the RBPF faces in building public trust and addressing concerns, the police force can work to improve their relationships with the community, address instances of corruption and brutality, and allocate resources effectively to enhance their ability to serve and protect the public.

The National Development Plan

One of the key priorities of the National Development Plan (NDP) is to promote public safety and reduce crime rates in The Bahamas. To address crime rates and safety, the NDP includes several strategies and initiatives, including:

1. Strengthening law enforcement: The NDP aims to strengthen the capacity and effectiveness of law enforcement agencies, including RBPF, by providing additional resources, training, and equipment. This includes the establishment of specialized units to combat violent crime, gangs, and drug trafficking.

2. Community policing: The NDP recognizes the importance of community policing and emphasizes the need for law enforcement agencies to work closely with local communities to prevent crime and promote safety. This includes the implementation of community-based crime prevention programs and initiatives to promote trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the public.

3. Justice system reform: The NDP acknowledges the need to reform the criminal justice system to improve efficiency, fairness, and effectiveness. This includes initiatives to modernize court procedures, improve the use of technology in the justice system, and increase access to legal services for citizens.

4. Youth development: The NDP recognizes the importance of investing in youth development and addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of education. This includes initiatives to promote entrepreneurship, job training, and educational opportunities for young people.

5. International cooperation: The NDP recognizes the need for international cooperation to combat transnational crime, such as drug trafficking and human trafficking. This includes initiatives to strengthen cooperation with international law enforcement agencies and improve border security.

Conclusion

In closing, crime rates and public safety are critical issues in The Bahamas. The Royal Bahamas Police Force has faced significant challenges in preventing crime, and there is a need for reform to improve its effectiveness and rebuild trust with the community. While the NDP provides a comprehensive framework for addressing crime, it will take a concerted effort from all stakeholders to implement these initiatives and strategies effectively.

Ultimately, it's essential to recognize that crime prevention and public safety are collective responsibilities that require collaboration and cooperation between law enforcement, the government, the private sector, and the community. By working together and taking a multi-faceted approach that addresses the root causes of crime, we can create a safer and more prosperous Bahamas for all citizens.

• Roderick A. Simms II is the past BCCEC family island division director. Email: RASII@ME.com.

A primary school student was struck on Johnson Road by the getaway vehicle used by assailants who shot a 30-year-old man yesterday afternoon, police said.

According to police, the man had just arrived at his home on Mandingo Alley, Fox Hill, around 3:25 p.m., when two gunmen exited a burgundy Japanese car.

The gunmen shot him several times before fleeing.

"It is further reported that as the suspects fled the scene onto Johnson Road, a male student from a nearby primary school was struck by the suspects' vehicle," police said.

Both victims were taken to hospital.

The 30-year-old Fox Hill man was last listed in serious condition and the student was in stable condition, police said.

Police are asking anyone with information on this matter to contact them at 502-9991 or 919.

While Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander said last week that serious crimes decreased by 28 percent year over year, police have reported a spate of murders and shootings in recent weeks.

The murder count is 44 for the year.

The last murder happened last Wednesday when police said a man was killed in Kennedy Subdivision.

Last week, Fernander reported that 10 of the suspects in the 41 murders that had occurred up to that point were out on bail after being charged with other murders and 11 of the victims who were murdered were also on bail, including eight who were being electronically monitored.

"We know that the players, they continue to reoffend," Fernander said.

"There is a revolving door for persons who commit crimes and are arrested, charged and placed before the courts only to be released on bail. In some instances, the punishment does not fit the crime.

"We will continue to do our part to disrupt the sale of drugs in the community, [implement] aggressive stop and search operations to undercover contraband and illegal firearms, target prolific offenders and track down wanted suspects."

Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe last week called on parents and community leaders to get involved in the fight to save children.

He said at some point, young men transform into killers.

Police did not release the names of any suspects in relation to the shooting in Fox Hill yesterday.

It is unknown whether they are known to police.

TWO men on bail were killed moments apart in separate incidents in New Providence yesterday, bringing the murder total for the year to 43.

Around 2.30pm, one victim was shot in the Minnie Street area while the second victim was killed in Flamingo Gardens.  #The killings came a day after Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander revealed that up to April 23, serious crimes decreased by 28 percent compared to the same period in 2022, with murders declining by 16 per cent.   #ShotSpotter technology alerted police to the incident in Minnie Street, off Wulff Road, where they found the body of a 23-year-old man lying in the street with multiple gunshot injuries to his upper body.  #The man was reportedly driving north on Wulff Road when a small white van pulled across the path of his vehicle. A man got out of the van with a handgun and opened fire. #To evade the shooter, the victim got out of his vehicle and tried to run, but was pushed to the ground by the suspect and shot. The suspect fled in an unknown direction. #The victim wore an ankle monitor device and is known to the police for several serious offences. #Moments after the first incident, ShotSpotter prompted police to visit the Flamingo Gardens community where they found the lifeless body of a 24-year-old man with multiple gunshot injuries to his upper body. #The man was found lying near a white Nissan Cube parked in front of a residence. # He was reportedly a passenger in a white Japanese vehicle driven by his male friend. # Occupants of a silver coloured Japanese vehicle reportedly pulled up and opened fire on the men as they drove in the area of Bahamas Boulevard. # Initially, the driver and the victim evaded the assailants, but lost control of the car around Montgomery Avenue. # The driver got out of the vehicle and fled on foot, leaving the victim behind.  # The victim was known to the police and was being electronically monitored. Police said the driver is helping them with their investigation. # Asked if yesterday’s killings were connected or related to gangs, Chief Superintendent Michael Johnson could not confirm. # “That is still a question that we would be looking at. It’s still early in this investigation and the other investigation and I am unable to say that at this time, but that certainly would be an avenue we would be looking at,” he told reporters. # Free National Movement deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright, the FNM’s spokesman for national security matters, released a statement decrying the violence. # “As the streets of New Providence continue to be marked by bloodshed and littered with bullets there has now been 10 murders in 12 days in our nation, yet the government seems to have no sense of urgency and still no crime plan,” he said. # “Bahamians from all walks of life continue to be angered by the state of crime and the fear of crime impacting their lives and Bahamian communities. This level of crime cannot be considered acceptable by any government or any Bahamian who cares about the Bahamian way of life. There must be action and the government must lead the way. # “The government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas must finally respond with a sense of duty, leadership, and a determined sense of urgency. The Bahamian people need a comprehensive anti-crime plan outlining immediate strategies to address the current spate of murders and articulated long-term national security policies. The Bahamian people continue to express their outrage at the staggering frequency of these incidents of gun violence and are demanding action now.”

Around 2.30pm, one victim was shot in the Minnie Street area while the second victim was killed in Flamingo Gardens. 

The killings came a day after Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander revealed that up to April 23, serious crimes decreased by 28 percent compared to the same period in 2022, with murders declining by 16 per cent.  

ShotSpotter technology alerted police to the incident in Minnie Street, off Wulff Road, where they found the body of a 23-year-old man lying in the street with multiple gunshot injuries to his upper body. 

The man was reportedly driving north on Wulff Road when a small white van pulled across the path of his vehicle. A man got out of the van with a handgun and opened fire.

To evade the shooter, the victim got out of his vehicle and tried to run, but was pushed to the ground by the suspect and shot. The suspect fled in an unknown direction.

The victim wore an ankle monitor device and is known to the police for several serious offences.

Moments after the first incident, ShotSpotter prompted police to visit the Flamingo Gardens community where they found the lifeless body of a 24-year-old man with multiple gunshot injuries to his upper body.

The man was found lying near a white Nissan Cube parked in front of a residence.

He was reportedly a passenger in a white Japanese vehicle driven by his male friend.

Occupants of a silver coloured Japanese vehicle reportedly pulled up and opened fire on the men as they drove in the area of Bahamas Boulevard.

Initially, the driver and the victim evaded the assailants, but lost control of the car around Montgomery Avenue.

The driver got out of the vehicle and fled on foot, leaving the victim behind. 

The victim was known to the police and was being electronically monitored. Police said the driver is helping them with their investigation.

Asked if yesterday’s killings were connected or related to gangs, Chief Superintendent Michael Johnson could not confirm.

“That is still a question that we would be looking at. It’s still early in this investigation and the other investigation and I am unable to say that at this time, but that certainly would be an avenue we would be looking at,” he told reporters.

Free National Movement deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright, the FNM’s spokesman for national security matters, released a statement decrying the violence.

“As the streets of New Providence continue to be marked by bloodshed and littered with bullets there has now been 10 murders in 12 days in our nation, yet the government seems to have no sense of urgency and still no crime plan,” he said.

“Bahamians from all walks of life continue to be angered by the state of crime and the fear of crime impacting their lives and Bahamian communities. This level of crime cannot be considered acceptable by any government or any Bahamian who cares about the Bahamian way of life. There must be action and the government must lead the way.

“The government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas must finally respond with a sense of duty, leadership, and a determined sense of urgency. The Bahamian people need a comprehensive anti-crime plan outlining immediate strategies to address the current spate of murders and articulated long-term national security policies. The Bahamian people continue to express their outrage at the staggering frequency of these incidents of gun violence and are demanding action now.”