Former Police Commissioner Cuthbert Phillips
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) is being encouraged to create an action plan with clear priorities and objectives for tackling crime and making the island safer.
Former Police Commissioner Cuthbert Phillips said while he is not sure if there is an existing plan, he still believes that a comprehensive one is needed now more than ever, in light of increasing trends of crime.
Phillips who was a guest on News Maker Live on Wednesday evening, said the safety of Saint Lucians should remain a top priority and as such, moving to create this plan will help to tackle crime more effectively.
But the former top cop noted that in drafting such a plan, the RSLPF must engage in extensive public consultation, through town hall meetings, which he acknowledged have started, and through surveys.
Meanwhile, Phillips said there is usually an upsurge in break-ins and muggings during the upcoming holiday season stating that this is something that the police should also focus on.
“I don’t know if they have such a plan, but you have to look at Christmas which is coming. What is the nature of crime? Where is it taking place? And what time it is taking place? And you have to put things into perspective.”
He said the RSLPF must also give consideration to implementing a ‘stop and search’ operation especially at nights. Phillips suggested that a special squad of police officers should be used for this.
Equally important, the former top cop also highlighted the need for Saint Lucians to look out for each other, even though less people are not ‘being their brother’s keeper.’ But he stressed that in order for the police to be more effective, they must get the assistance of members of the community.
Phillips said these days when a neighbour sees a crime is committed, they most times prefer not to say anything. This, according to him, not only breeds division, but encourages criminal activities.
“If we want to fight crime in Saint Lucia, the whole community, everybody must be involved,” he stated.
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