Police to deploy several measures in response to spike in crime, including arrest for possession of ‘unexplained’ weapons
Following recent criticism by George Wehner, the United Progressive Party (UPP) mobilization officer, who chided the Police and minister of public safety for failing to address the spike in violent crime, the Police are assuring the public of its concern.
“The police continue to condemn every act of violence that is being perpetrated against any resident of this country,” says a press release issued on Tuesday, May 9.
In a media statement published on Tuesday, May 9, the administration of the Police Force says it is concerned about the growing trend of violence and crime, especially among the youth, and will be taking preventative measures.
Several crime-fighting measures and strategies will be deployed, the statement says. These include heightened police visibility; patrols at all major sporting events and public functions; and an increased number of “Stop and Search” and “Spot-Check” exercises across the country.
The Police warn that persons found carrying offensive weapons –
such as knives, cutlasses, cleavers, scissors, or blunt objects –without being able to provide a satisfactory reason or explanation for having them will be arrested and be charged.
Meanwhile, the Police administration says that recent incidents of youth violence and other crimes are being investigated, and those found culpable will be dealt with according to the law.
Anyone with information related to any of these incidents is asked to contact the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at 462-3913.
On Labour Day, May 1, four wounding incidents took place at a single location, Ffryes Beach, prompting Wehner to ask about the size of the police contingent there.
Meanwhile, a City South resident is reminding Public Safety Minister Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin that he objected strenuously when the Spencer Administration tried to deter youth violence. At the time, the Parliament was mandating arrest for possession of objects that could be used as weapons.
Benjamin and his colleagues accused the then-Administration of “criminalizing” young people, and they launched a public campaign against the amendment to the law, which the Government then walked back.
“Tell Cutie that the chickens always come home to roost,” the man says, adding that the current Administration is “right back to where Spencer started.”
As for the announced crime-fighting strategies, he asks, “And what’s new? The Police always announce these things when there is a public outcry. But when have they ever maintained these strategies? That, right there, is the question!”
