The newly-appointed British-born Commissioner of Police, in Anguilla, Mr. David Lynch, is seeking to take the island’s Police Force to another level, although he says the Overseas Territory already has an exceptional law enforcement agency.
Speaking at his first press conference, on July 2, Mr. Lynch outlined some of his further development plans for the Royal Anguilla Police Force. Among those plans is an enhancement training course for police officers, scheduled to begin on July 12. The training is to be undertaken by three or four trainers from the United Kingdom over a period of four weeks. The training in criminal injuries and forensics, in particular, will be funded by the UK Government.
Probably responding to past public complaints about the need for greater trust in the handling of police matters, the Commissioner told the media that he would work towards improving trust and confidence in the Royal Anguilla Police Force – and support the further development of officers.
His plans, spanning a period from 2021 – 2024, also include using the police force to protect the most vulnerable in the Anguillian community from harm; addressing issues that matter most to residents and businesses; and the mobilising of the police and the public to build strong partnerships. He also spoke about creating a positive work environment; achieving best outcomes in the pursuit of justice and for victims; and ensuring that the Royal Anguilla Police Force is sustainable, adaptable and prepared for the future. He does not see the need to increase the size of the force at present.
In terms of crime and violence, Commissioner Lynch is of the view that Anguilla is a safe place, as an island, and that residents are also really safe. He reported that the police had undertaken 100 hours of patrols and that`100 crimes were taken to court. He disclosed that the police had seized five firearms during vehicle stops. In terms of burglaries, he reported that these offences were now down by 44 percent compared to last year.
The Commissioner came out strongly on domestic violence saying this type of offence had increased with 40 cases this year so far. He observed that there were 68 cases of domestic assault during the first six months of 2021 and that 80 percent of the victims were women. Part of his plans in this area of crime is to develop a support system for domestic violence victims. He indicated that women were now having a bigger voice than before against domestic violence. He has urged persons experiencing this type of violence to use the police hotline www.gov.ai/911 which will serve to keep Anguilla safe.
Commissioner Lynch arrived in Anguilla from St. Helena in February this year, and thereafter was very busy protecting Anguilla and its people from COVID-19. He praised members of the general public for their cooperation over the past five months. He also commended the Health Team, and other partners, with whom he worked closely for their good work.
In giving statistics in relation to the work of the police regarding Covid-19 protection, Mr. Lynch said that during the recent lockdown the numbers were: 104 health-related checks; 453 vehicles were stopped; and 21 boats were intercepted since April.
