RSVGPF to launch Crime Prevention App in 2025

The Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), will launch a crime prevention app “where citizens can share vital information with the police in a confidential manner from the comfort of their homes”.

During a media briefing carried live on NBC Radio Monday, December 2 2024, Acting Commissioner of Police (CoP), Enville Williams, informed the public on initiatives that have been implemented by the police to curtail crime in the country, as well as new ones to come, particularly during the Christmas season.

In collaboration with the Ministry of National Security, regional bodies such as the Regional Security System (RSS), and CARICOM IMPACS (Implementation Agency for Crime and Security), Williams said the RSVGPF is deploying a structured and targeted confidential informants programme.

The Police Chief said that this initiative aims to encourage the flow of information from the public, while ensuring the safety and anonymity that callers desire.

“Additionally, during the first quarter of 2025, the RSVGPF will launch a crime prevention ‘app’ where citizens can share vital information with the police in a confidential manner from the comfort of their homes or anywhere.”

Williams also outlined that working alongside enforcement partners such as Customs, the Port Authority and international partners, the RSVGPF is employing research-based approaches to intercept the trafficking of arms through St Vincent and the Grenadines’ port of entries and maritime borders.

“We continue to target illegal firearms entering our country. Efforts are underway to map and dismantle networks involved in illegal arms trade,” he said, adding that by identifying and apprehending these direct involvement and those who benefit financially, the RSVGPF aims to cut off the supply of weapons that fuel violence.

He said that the RSVGPF has shaped its focus on dismantling the financial channel that supports criminal activities as the Police recognises that disrupting criminals’ profits strikes at the very core of their operations.

In renewed collaboration with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), local and regional partners, Williams said the RSVGPF is intensifying targeted operations against individuals and entities who are benefitting from illicit activities, including drug trafficking, firearm offences, and money laundering.

“There has been an increase of police presence in targeted areas. Our patrols in hotspots have been identified to provide a strong deterrent to criminal activities and ensure rapid response to incidents.”

With the Christmas season approaching, Williams said the RSVGPF is deploying greater police presence to all communities and commercial areas to ensure public safety and to maintain order during this heightened activity period.

“Recognising the importance of timely intervention, additional transportation have been made available through the support of government,” he said.

The Acting Commissioner said further that these resources have significantly boosted the RSVGPF’s capacity to maintain heightened presence and execute their duties more effectively.

He said that SVG has recorded a total of 49 homicides, 46 of which are classified as murders, and three are as a result of police-involved shootings.

He added that during the gun amnesty period which ran from March 1 to May 1, 2024, 17 firearms and 327 rounds of ammunition were handed to the RSVGPF.