BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – WITH blame being laid at the feet of members of the Regional Security System (RSS) for some of the recent security measures being implemented in the Federation, Deputy Commissioner of Police Hilroy Brandy said the System is not deserving of any such blame.
Some individuals have suggested that the RSS contingent is carrying out excessive stop and search exercises and is “breaking down people’s doors” in order to get inside their homes to conduct searches.
DCP Brandy, in an interview with SKNVibes, came to the RSS’ defense explaining that the contingent was brought here as part of the execution of Operation Safe Streets and works alongside the local security forces in the execution of their duties.
“The RSS is not breaking down doors. The police in St. Kitts Nevis got search warrants to search people’s premises and the police are doing the searches and the RSS is just assisting. So nobody should put any blame on the RSS.The police are doing their work and are being assisted by the RSS. Stop blaming the RSS!”
Brandy also debunked the suggestion that the RSS contingent was brought into the Federation because of the Police Force’s inability to handle the crime situation.
“The police in St. Kitts and Nevis can do it but in order to sustain it, there needs to be more people. When going out for one week sustained, there needs to be more manpower so that we can do proper searches of different locations at the same time. So these things can be done in the mornings, at noon and still at nights.
“The RSS was brought here specifically for Operation Safe Streets and it is not that the police are incapable, but in order for it to be sustained we asked for assistance.”
The Deputy Commissioner also addressed comments that the increased vigilance, searches etc. are only taking place on St. Kitts and not on sister isle Nevis. He expressed that as a matter of fact, he is surprised at what the increased stop and search operations have yielded on that island.
“What is happening in St. Kitts is happening in Nevis. It is actually happening in Nevis on a larger scale and Nevis is having even more success than St. Kitts in terms of issuing of tickets and impounding vehicles.
“I myself am alarmed to see how many people in Nevis are breaking the law in terms of not insuring their vehicle, not licensing their vehicles and they are not renewing their licenses. The consequence that can be to the public is that someone could be walking down the road and get hit by one of these vehicles, and because it is not insured that person who is hit will not be covered by insurance. So what we are doing is ensuring that people are complying with the law.”
Brandy appealed for cooperation and calm as the security forces “do what we have to do to keep the people safe. During the stops and searches, if you know you have not done anything wrong, just be patient and comply with the authorities. We are not here to brutalize anybody, but we are here to do our job which is to serve and protect…”
In addition to assistance from the RSS, the DCP informed that assets on the sea are also part of the security forces’ operation to sniff out crime.
