BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – WHAT is crime? Crime can be defined as a legally prohibited act that is injurious to the public’s welfare or moral or to the interest of a state. From time immemorial, this phenomenon had existed in all societies the world over. But when it reaches that level where drugs and gang wars as well as robberies result in gun-related and other violent forms of death and maim, and citizens and residents of a country publicly voice their disgust in its low solvability rate, it is time for implementation of drastic measures…Zero tolerance.
AS it is in most Caribbean countries, the people of the twin-island Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis are disgust over the current escalating crime. Scores of them have sent comments to SKNVibes, among which the police came under fire.
Many people believe that the police are not doing enough to solve the majority of homicides committed in the Federation and to control crime. Some even accused certain officers of informing criminals and gang members when a search of their homes is to be executed.
One individual made reference to the John Walsh-hosted 20th Century Fox TV show, America’s Most Wanted, which is aimed at profiling and assisting law enforcement agencies in the apprehension of fugitives wanted for various crimes, including murder, gang violence, rape, armed robbery, white collar crime child molestation and terrorism.
The individual also referred to another TV show called Unsolved Mysteries. This show was hosted by Robert Stack from 1987 to 2002 and later by Dennis Farina from 2008. It is a show that deals with real mysteries and crimes, which are reenacted with many details so as to provide viewers with tips in order to solve them.
“The hosts of these shows, especially America’s Most Wanted, get their information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement agencies in America. Even in The Bahamas we have a most wanted list programme. I am not suggesting that our local police force should create a most wanted list, but the Top Brass could at least keep the public informed through the media on the names and description of those persons they would have arrested on suspicion of murder and break-ins,” the individual said.
The individual, like many others, believes that whenever the police apprehend a suspect, especially in a homicide or break-in, his/her name and photograph should be made public.
“For example, the police may arrest a man on suspicion of murder and release him after 72 hours because of lack of evidence. If that man’s name and photograph were published, some member of the public might have recognised him and remember seeing him at the scene of the crime, either before or shortly after it was committed. The police are asking for the public’s assistance, but what about providing us with more information other than ‘One man in police custody assisting with investigations?’
“The public does not know who they are talking about; give us something to go on. Additionally, we have rapists living amongst us and our womenfolk are unaware of many of those men who were convicted. The police need to also make public not only their names, but also their photographs. This too goes for all those convicted of break-ins,” the individual explained.
Speaking with SKNVibes, Joseph Liburd, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) with responsibility for Crime, addressed the issue of publication of names and photographs of suspects.
“Somebody could be in custody assisting the police in the investigation of a murder or some other serious crime but, then, that person is only a suspect. The police may receive information that a certain person was involved in a crime, but that does not necessarily mean he or she is the perpetrator. However, in most cases, the persons in custody are suspects, but you can have genuine other cases where the persons are witnesses and the police would have them in custody for their own safety.”
He further explained that if an individual is either a suspect or a provider of information to assist police in their investigation, that person would be held in custody.
ACP Liburd also stated that, as it is in the case of a juvenile, police could not publish the name and photograph of a suspect unless he/she was charged for a criminal offence or wanted in connection with a crime.
He however declared that “we will see how we can suit it to help the public”.
Taking ACP Liburd’s explanation into consideration, SKNVibes therefore asks, “What if the police should provide the media with the names and photographs of homicide and break-in suspects for publication, will members of the public provide information leading to their prosecution?”
