BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – Some eight months after its expected release, the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force’s Objectives and Policing Plan has been officially released for public scrutiny.
The official handing over of the 2009-2011 Strategic Plan took place on Wednesday (Aug. 26) at the Prime Minister’s monthly press conference and was done by the Commissioner of Police, Austin Williams.
The document charts the way forward for the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force and the wider community as it seeks to arrest the problem of crime and violence, which has plagued the nation for a number of years.
Commissioner Williams informed that the plan “is the result of a collaborative effort of management and ranks of the oganisation” and was also influenced by a string of meetings the organisation held with the public across the different communities.
“Much has happened both in the internal and external operating environment of the Police Force that has warranted the contents of this plan and the setting of a new strategic direction for the Force. If I may add, this policing plan is only part of a more detailed strategic plan that was developed for our guidance. While our mission statement and core values are reflected in all our planning and operational objectives, the most influential catalyst in the development of this plan has been the feedback of the public during our series of town hall meetings around the island in 2008.”
The plan, copies of which were distributed following the conclusion of the press conference and electronic copies disseminated via the internet, outlines the priorities of the force and the objectives which they are hoping to achieve during the next two and a quarter years. It also speaks to crime reduction and detection strategies which are to be employed during the period.
“The priorities and core objectives outlined in this plan serve as the basis for the planning and formulation of the necessary crime fighting strategies. Our priorities therefore are:
i. Protection of the lives of all members of our society;
ii. Prevention and reduction of all aspects of crime within our Federation;
iii. Improving the detection rate of all types of crime in our communities;
iv. Advance the promptness of prosecution processes for court related matters; and
v. Improve the success rate of prosecution of all types of crime.
While our objectives are:
i. To identify potential for disorder and to respond appropriately;
ii. To address public concern by increased police patrols and visibility;
iii. To develop and improve crime prevention, detection and prosecution intelligence systems;
iv. To use scientific methods to aid crime investigation and prosecution;
v. To develop appropriate communication systems that would assist crime prevention, detection and prosecution;
vi. To increase public awareness in assisting in crime prevention and reduction;
vii. To promote closer working relationships between police and the community;
viii. To promote closer collaboration between the various departments and units of the police; and
ix. To promote improved collaboration between the police and other agencies in crime fighting.”
Commissioner Williams warned of the possibility of the force not achieving all objectives but noted it would not relent in its approach. He issued a challenge to members of the public to acquaint themselves with the plan and “help us to make it work”.
“The Police Force and the public however, must be mindful that we may not achieve all our objectives, but as an organisation and community, it is imperative that we keep our efforts active.”
In receiving the document, Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. the Hon. Denzil Llewellyn Douglas thanked the COP for the presentation.
Persons wishing to familiarise themselves with the plan’s content can visit www.police.gov.kn.
