Police to ramp up crime fight; public told to expect inconveniences

With the country’s homicide count reaching 47 over the weekend and incidents of gun-related crime increasing, members of the public are being forewarned to expect “inconveniences” as the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) ramps up its crime fighting and prevention initiatives.

The top brass of the Force convened a press briefing on Monday, November 6, 2023 – the first since the Commissioner of Police, Enville Williams was appointed to act in the position.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations), Christopher Benjamin said the organization is well aware that the public is anxious about how the police intend to reel in the criminal element.

“I know the question on everyone’s mind is what is the police doing to keep everybody safe?”

ACP Benjamin said while the intricate details of the strategies cannot be revealed, he can say that the presence of police will be “felt” and seen across the country in the immediate future.

“If I outline to you the details what we are doing, it will defeat the purpose… all I will say is you will feel us; expect some inconvenience based on our initiatives.

During a spate of gun violence in the last quarter of 2022 which pushed the homicide rate up to 42 for that year, the Force had intensified crime fighting and prevention strategies in hot-spot communities such as Paul’s Avenue, Rose Place, Sion Hill and Redemption Sharpes as well as other areas outside of capital Kingstown.

During a review of these initiatives back in August, which included stop and searches, police had said that their actions were “bearing fruit” with items such ski masks and weapons being confiscated.

ACP Benjamin said these strategies will be spread across other communities in the country.

“A high police presence will be visible throughout our communities and also we will be present, but not so present ‘cause we will be there and you will not know that we are there.”

The three most recent homicides occurred over the span of three days and ACP Benjamin made a call for Vincentians to come forward to assist police in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

“I urge citizens come forward so we can bring these people that are committing these crimes to justice. Don’t wait until it is affecting you to come forward.”