Canadian police join with local police in setting up Sexual Assault Offences Unit

Tomorrow, September 30, 2015, members and volunteers from York Regional Police (YRP) led by S/Sgt Tony Browne, will embark on a joint project with the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) to set up a Sexual Assault Offences Unit.

The contingent, consisting of Jack Morgan, Casroy Cain, Florette Israel and Vondell Burke, is visiting St Vincent and the Grenadines at their own expense, and team members are using their vacation time to travel to this country to give back to the community.{{more}}

On Thursday, the contingent will hand over a quantity of equipment, including 15 desktop and laptop decommissioned computers, training aids, books, sexual assault evidence kits and two audio recorders to the RSVGPF.

The York Regional Police responded to a formal request from the RSVGPF for used computers and investigative aids, including training and training materials to assist in setting up a Sexual Offences Unit. The computers would provide efficiency in the operation of the unit, as well as fulfill other obligations.

Supported by York Regional Police Chief Eric Joliffe, the Police Services Board approved the donation of 15 desktop and laptop decommissioned computers to the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force. These computers are reconditioned, reloaded and ready for use.

In consultation with the Ontario Police College and the York Regional Police Sexual Assault Bureau, training aids, books, sexual assault evidence kits, blood and buccal collection samples, two audio recorders and an additional laptop computer were acquired.

Further assessment resulted in the identification of items necessary to build or enhance the existing networks. As a result, on August 15, 2015, routers, switches and tools, along with 20 computers with an approximate value of CAN $15,000, were packed in three crates.

The crates were shipped to St Vincent and the Grenadines with the assistance of the SVG Consul General’s office in Toronto.

This project will provide information exchange on investigation, awareness, education and prevention of sex-related incidents, as well as identifying a wide range of support to assist victims with rebuilding and enhancing their lives. The Canadian contingent will also work with the RSVGPF’s personnel to provide a process for continued support and maintenance for the systems and operations. York Regional Police is proud of its commitment to “Making a difference in the community.”

This joint venture with the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force is in line with YRP’s Vision and will serve to enhance the quality of life for all people in St Vincent.

(Prepared by Tony Browne)