BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – MANY would have taken note of a number of tall blue boxes with the word ‘EMERGENCY” written on them. And the inquiries as to what these objects are were answered recently during a handing over ceremony held at the Frigate Bay Strip.
The objects, known as Emergency Call Boxes, are a form of policing technology that enables persons in distress to communicate with emergency dispatchers for immediate assistance.
The boxes are mounted in the Basseterre and Frigate Bay areas; one each at the Ferry Terminal, The Strip, along the road that leads to the St. Kitts Marriott, along the Frigate Bay Main Road and the Independence Square.
The technology was procured and donated by the Coalition of Support for St. Kitts-Nevis Security Initiatives (CSSKNSI), which consists of Christophe Harbour, the University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Four Seasons Resort in Nevis, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, St. Kitts Marriott Resort and Royal Beach Casino, Royal St. Kitts Hotel and Casino and Windsor University.
During the handing-over ceremony, CSSKNSI Board Member John Kroen explained that the coalition was formed four years ago with a view to creating public-private partnership in support of the police.
He said assistance in this regard began with the procurement of vehicles and equipment and has now evolved to include policing technology.
Kroen explained that the call boxes are a “globally recognised symbol of safety and security” and a means of strengthening communication between people who need assistance and the police.
Commissioner of Police Celvin ‘CG’ Walwyn thanked the coalition for its continued partnership on security initiatives, from which the Federation has benefitted greatly. He said there has been a reduction in crime since the partnership began.
Below the word EMERGENCY written on the front panel of each box is a red button which, when pressed, connects the user to a 911 operator/dispatcher. The user/caller would then indicate to the 911 operator the nature of the emergency and a police unit would be dispatched to the scene.
Should there be no answer from 911, the call would be rerouted to the nearest police station, and if that fails the call would again be rerouted, this time to Ross University’s Security Department and assistance would be immediately dispatched.
Following the brief ceremony, a demonstration of the technology was done. Within a three-minute period a fully-armed police officer responded and moments after two others joined the law enforcement personnel.
A total of nine call boxes have been donated and others either have been or would be mounted in the West Farm area, Mattingley Heights and the War Memorial.
Other items handed over during the ceremony include flashlights, digital cameras, handheld radios, handheld spotlights and night vision goggles.
The total cost of the donation stands at EC$227 000.
