Police rising to challenges posed by crime

SKNIS Photo: Commissioner of Police Celvin G. Walwyn

Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 10, 2013 (SKNIS): Commissioner of Police Celvin G. Walwyn said the men and women of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) have stepped up to the challenge to change the landscape of crime in the twin-island Federation.

During an address on Monday to force members, the Commissioner recalled the demands made by the public 16 months ago, for the security forces to address in particular, the growing gang-related activities including homicides.

“The Police Force implemented many measures to restore the peace and safety as requested by the community,” Commissioner Walwyn said. “These measures included neighbourhood meetings, increased police patrols, anti gang activities, [introducing] the MAGIC (Mentoring, Advising, Guiding and Instructing Children) Programme in elementary schools and other initiatives aimed at assisting our young men in choosing alternatives to drugs, gangs, guns and violence.

“We love our young men and are willing to do whatever we can to see them live.”

An increase in cooperation between law enforcement and the public as well as a reassignment of resources in hotspots, contributed to a fall in crime rate including a 46 percent reduction in homicides.

“That translates to 16 less people murdered in the Federation in 2012,” Commissioner Walwyn stressed. “With respect to the number of gang-related murders, the numbers should read 19 less mothers crying for the senseless killing of their sons.

“I want to take this moment to applaud the men and women of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force for their commitment and dedication to the fight against crime and our initiatives in taking back the streets of the Federation,” he stated, while calling for continued vigilance in 2013.