Governor Christina Scott, who has responsibility for policing and security in Anguilla, says it has emerged that “the need for a clear focus on serious crime is being heard loudly and clearly.” She pointed out that she was not alone in that thinking as this had manifested itself “from the community and public consultations recently conducted to support the development of a new Police Plan” for Anguilla.
“The Governor made the comments in a radio broadcast on Sunday, January 24, in declaring open a series of activities to celebrate Police Week 2016 and the 44th Anniversary of the Royal Anguilla Police Force. Following is the full text of her address:
“The Royal Anguilla Police Force’s 44th anniversary and police week has as its theme – ‘Working with You, Working for you, Anguilla Community we are committed to you’. A theme challenging those in the force to attain the highest standards in all they do, and challenging us to ensure we support them to succeed.
“It has been a busy and at times difficult year for the police since the police week 2015. There have been changes to the leadership of the force, with the retirement of Commissioner Rudolph Proctor, and Deputy Commissioner Alice Proctor after many years of diligent service to Anguilla. I take this opportunity to thank them again for their efforts.
“Commissioner Paul Morrison has now been at the helm for almost three months, and will be recruiting shortly for the role of Deputy Commissioner, aided by the wisdom of the Public Service Commission.
“At interview, Commissioner Morrison impressed the panel with his clear commitment to the development and training of officers under his command, both through specific courses and on-the-job coaching. We need more of that here, so that Anguillian communities are policed by those who know them best: their own sons and daughters, cousins and siblings. External expertise is necessary and valuable in certain roles – and I make no apology for such appointments – but only if it nurtures the growth of home talent.
“So I am pleased that the Commissioner’s commitment has been in evidence here in Anguilla already. Fourteen new recruits were interviewed in November and are now receiving induction in Barbados. Amongst their number, surely, are the future Commissioners, Superintendents and Inspectors of the force.
“I am pleased also that the UK Government continues to assist in funding training for officers. Since November we have paid for officer training in the handling of crime scenes, so that evidence is properly collected and preserved. The senior team has received bespoke leadership training. A specialised course has allowed, for the first time, the creation of team of trained Family Liaison Officers, able to support victims and their families.
“These steps are making the force more ready to protect, and better equipped for the challenge of pursuing safety and justice. I hope that communities are already starting to see benefits from this learning.
“The real bread and butter job of our police is, of course, solving crime, particularly more serious crimes, as well as helping to bring to justice those responsible.
“Anguilla continues to suffer from gun crime, with four murders in 2015. Solving violent and serious crimes should in my view be the biggest objective for the force. We should be clear that we will not tolerate the actions that are so damaging to the fabric of our communities and our country’s international reputation. Nobody should be ‘untouchable’ or ‘protected’ in that pursuit. If the RAPF cannot demonstrate to the public its ability to solve such crimes, then – quite simply – it will lose the public’s trust.
“I know I am not alone in thinking this. From the community and public consultations recently conducted to support the development of a new Policing Plan, the need for a clear focus on serious crime is being heard loudly and clearly. The RAPF are listening. I commend the force as it continues the development of their policing plan, building on community inputs. The plan will set out – for the first time in some years – the strategic objectives of the force, and how they plan to achieve these. It will set out the police’s commitment to the community they serve. Executive Council colleagues and I look forward to seeing the draft plan later in the spring as it develops, and to sharing it with the public, for whom the police work.
“Any police plan of course requires that people, resources, time and skills are aligned towards delivering the biggest priorities. That may mean changes to the way the police are structured, and to some of the tasks they currently do. Some activities may have to stop, so that time and resources are freed up to deliver the key objectives of the public and their elected politicians. That won’t always be a comfortable journey, but it is necessary.
“But no Policing Plan will work if it is not owned and supported by the community it is designed to serve. So let me thank those in the public who continue to support the police, who work with them. I particularly thank those whose information has helped to prevent crime or identify those responsible for it. I know that takes courage, especially in a smaller community. Their determination to see justice done has helped disrupt the planning of crimes, and put those who have caused harm behind bars. Thank you.
“As I have said before, with the public’s help I will continue to challenge and support our police to deliver the highest standards of policing. Indeed, that should be the case for any public service working for citizens. The police must be committed to their community, ready to protect us, and relentless in their efforts. But they need our help and our sustained cooperation.
“I hope, therefore, that police week 2016 will allow us all to celebrate and reflect on our shared objectives for the safety and security of Anguilla, and to consider what further each of us might do to help in that endeavour.”
(Address published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
