The news which came earlier in the month from the Royal St Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) that the incidence of major crimes in St. Kitts and Nevis have fallen was welcomed by communities everywhere that had been working hard to see this reduction. The figures indicated that major crimes – for example: homicide, robbery, and narcotic dealing – were down in the first quarter of 2015 as compared to the same period at the start of last year. The figures were also welcomed by the fact that the trend of major crimes has been going down over the last few years.
The major crime figures in detail:
In 2013 there were 634 reported cases which fell under the classification of ‘major crimes’. This figure decreased significantly in 2014 to 401 reported instances, a fantastic achievement by any standards. From January to April 2015, the figures showed 180 cases of major crime to have been reported and this was received as a positive prediction for the year ahead. However, there was some bad news.
Instances of major crimes at the more destructive end of the scale were increasing. Murders and shootings were up on the previous year, raising concerns in some quarters. As major crimes, shootings and murder are at the top end of the scale. Criminal activity classed as major crimes in St. Kitts and Nevis include:
• Murder
• Firearm offences
• Breaking and entering
• Larceny
• Robbery
• Wounding
• Drug Offences
• Malicious Damage
• Arson
While the reduction is certainly good news, the increase in murders and shootings shows there is still a lot of work to be done.
The problem of drugs continues
While there has been a significant reduction in the number of drug related offences, drug abuse remains a big problem in the country and could easily revert to an upward trend if it isn’t controlled properly using tried and tested methods. Organisations such as the Prevention Hub are key to tackling issues of drug abuse at the root of the problem and providing information to the government and Police Forces for how best to tackle the problem. Drug addiction is not something which can simply stop automatically or by enforcement; the problem has much deeper roots. Proper support groups where drug addicts can have informed discussions about addictions and disorders with professional support workers and fellow addicts are proving successful and should be employed where they are necessary. If the support network isn’t there, then the problem will continue into the next generations and the number of major crimes involving drugs will undoubtedly continue to rise.
Drugs are also often a root cause of murders in St. Kitts and Nevis. The more addicts there are in the country, the more money dealers can stand to make. With such a powerful, unregulated business, violence has proven to ensue and will only continue to do so. Building a proper rehabilitation network of support for victims and educating the next generation on the dangers of drug abuse and addiction will go straight to the heart of this illicit business, taking away the drug lords customer base and hopefully leading to less violent crimes involving drugs. There is still a long way to go before St. Kitts and Nevis becomes a place where major crimes are so low that there is cause for celebration.
Short-term success
However, the short-term success of the police force shown by the falling major crime figures shows that the country is on the right track. Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. Timothy Harris, has heartily congratulated the police force’s High Command for showing great spirit and determination in designing new anti-crime strategies. The figures show that these strategies seem to be working. He expressed his concern, however, at the number of major crimes committed involving firearms and told the police force that he fully expects to see improvements in this area soon. He was also concerned about the murder rate and stressed that he does not want to see this rise any further.
The Royal St Christopher and Nevis Police Force in action
The RSCNPF have responded well to both the figures and the comments from the Prime Minister in making a number of recent arrests related to major crimes. These include a number of robberies and homicide. New technologies, including improved forensics and ballistic techniques, are being employed to help modernise the force, improve their results and strengthen their prosecution efforts. Assistant Commissioner of Police responsible for Crime, Ian Queeley, was optimistic for the future of crime reduction, but urged the importance of support from the community if their operations are to prove successful.
Disclaimer
This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers.
