The Bahamas strengthens crime fighting strategy

By Melissa Bryant
Reporter~SKNVibes.com

NASSAU, Bahamas – THE Bahamian government is considering the implementation of an electronic monitoring bill for persons granted bail by the courts as a feasible option among several other initiatives that it will undertake to respond to the crime challenge facing the country.

According to Caribbean Net News, the remark was made In Parliament by Minister of National Security Tommy Turnquest on Monday, November 3.

The Bill provides for the electronic monitoring of accused and convicted persons and seeks to provide an alternative to imprisonment for less serious offences and first-time offenders. It also provides for the courts to impose this sanction as a condition of bail which will allow for the monitoring of such persons, thus enhancing the opportunity for them to appear for trial.

“This Bill is another tool in our crime-fighting arsenal and allows us to set out sound measures to strengthen the hand of our law enforcement officers and the criminal justice system,” Turnquest said.

He announced that the government agreed to purchase 1 500 additional bulletproof vests for all frontline officers and would upgrade the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s Control Room as part of the new initiatives. Furthermore, they are presently in discussion with

Motorola Inc. to upgrade the Police Control Room to improve the force’s efficiency in responding to matters.
According to Turnquest, the success of the CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) Pilot Project that was launched at the Prince George Dock has enabled a second programme to be launched within the near future.

He further stated that national security and law enforcement officials have also intensified their efforts on intelligence-led operations. The Commissioner of Police has reactivated the Intelligence Liaison Officers Unit at each Division whose role is to filter information to the Central Intelligence Unit.

Turnquest added that the police have also increased mobile and foot patrols in specified areas and have aggressively pursued stop and search initiatives, which have resulted in a significant number of drug and firearms arrests.

“The police have, and will continue to work closely with international law enforcement agencies with regards to drugs and firearms interdiction. There is a dedicated intelligence-led team that is focusing on the interdiction of illegal firearms,” he assured.