A police officer exhibits the weapons found from students.
PRESS RELEASE - The Community Relations Branch, (CRB) of the Royal St. Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) this week placed on exhibition a collection of confiscated weapons, dangerous objects, alcohol and marijuana which were confiscated from the students of schools in the Castries basin or while on police patrol.
In one instance a rope was confiscated which was intended for committing suicide by an 11 year old. The items were collected from January to October, 2013. Corporal Ted King who heads the CRB says in many instances school principals summon the police to conduct random searches or address problematic situations.
While some students are confronting emotional issues or domestic problems, Corporal King explained that most students admit that they carry the dangerous items for protection because they are in conflict with other persons.
“We talk to the students and we tell them it is very dangerous to be carrying these weapons because it can be used against them as well. If there is a problem report it to the principal, the teachers. They can also report these matters to the police but do not try to handle it themselves”.
The overall aim of these exercises is to curb school violence and violence among the youth. The intervention of the Community Relations Branch has yielded positive results including counseling for students and in more serious matters the intervention of the Family Court.
The police noted a decrease in the amount of contraband and weapons which were confiscated compared to the previous year.