BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, March 20, 2010 - "For the security forces to take control of crime, the general public must be involved by rising to the challenge of providing timely information and giving evidence, because the methods and technology of the 1980s that they are employing are outdated. In addition to the public’s cooperation, the security forces must seek to modernise their modus operandi as well as their equipment.”
This is the view of former Defence Force Staff Sergeant Shawn Wigley.
Wigley pointed out that while the security forces should be commended for their determination and commitment, they are lacking the appropriate equipment and strategies in combating crime effectively. “We are no longer living in the days when criminals used wood and knives, but rather guns; so the approach has to change and the security forces have to understand that to be effective they must adopt a whole new mindset in addressing the problem,” Wigley said.
He noted that the public should lend valuable support in terms of community oriented involvement so as to ensure that the federation’s security forces are able to “rise to the occasion, because crime is not just a concern of the security forces…it is everybody’s concern”.
He however admitted that as a former member of the security forces he has no doubt in their commitment and determination in ridding the Federation of the rapidly growing crime rate.
Wigley said that as a developing nation, St. Kitts and Nevis has a number of significant constraints - financial, human resource, institutional and legislative as well as crime, especially gun-related that has led to an escalation in homicides.
In this regard, he noted the urgency for the security forces to rise to the occasion as there is a need for more successful efforts to be brought into play in confronting crime. He said this is where crime prevention comes into play, adding that crime is not the only challenge that St Kitts and Nevis faces, but it remains a major challenge that needs to be confronted or else the nation would find itself living in a society under siege by a set of trigger happy fools.
He also pointed out that violence generates violence and escalating spirals of violence in turn generates significant social and economic costs in terms of economic growth, decreased social capital, worsening poverty and increased inequality.
According to Wigley, one distinctive element of the approach is emphasis on the prevention side of the continuum between violence prevention and violence control. He said the preference of preventive actions is based on the evidence that exists that shows greater cost-effectiveness when compared with control interventions.
He argued that these must be supported by strong community-based intervention strategies that would strengthen informal social control mechanisms.
Wigley further noted that it would also help in enhancing the social solidarity and cooperation nets along with promoting community participation. “I want to stress that as a former Defence Force member, guidance should be given to communities in developing and implementing community-based solutions to crime and violence, especially since they affect our children, youths and women,” Wigley declared.
He added that efforts should also be made to foster integrated action between the government and non-governmental partners, including the church, community leaders, private security companies and social groups in crime and violence prevention efforts; thus being able to institutionalise and strengthen community police partnership in crime eradication.
