Commissioner of Police Richard Boyce has underscored the importance of community policing, saying it is essential in helping The Barbados Police Service (BPS) to deliver high quality service.
Mr. Boyce expressed this view today as he delivered the 2022-Year in Review, during the opening of The BPS’ Annual Grand Conference 2023, at the Police Band Headquarters, District ‘A’ Complex, Station Hill, St. Michael.
The Commissioner told his audience: “We have taken the decision, at the executive level, to reassess our approach to community policing. We find this necessary if we are to succeed with our mission to deliver high quality service, in partnership, with our communities.”
He noted that though some Neighbourhood Watches were active, it would be ideal to increase the numbers to provide greater coverage in some communities, especially those prone to greater criminal activity.
Mr. Boyce reported that at the end of 2022, there were 947 major offences recorded, as compared with 967 in 2021. He pointed out that the figure represented a two per cent decrease in serious crime.
“The…decrease in cases is commendable, bearing in mind that there were no restrictions of persons’ movement. Noteworthy, the overall major crime figure for 2019 before restrictions was 1,729. This clearly suggests that year-on-year, the Police Service has been able to manage the crime situation in the country,” he stated.
With regard to the BPS’ joint operation launched last year with the Barbados Defence Force, the Commissioner reported that a measure of success had been achieved. He listed some of the successes as:
- The recovery of 11 firearms and 142 rounds of ammunition.
- The arrest of 58 persons to date (16 for firearms and ammunition possession and 42 for drug-related offences).
- 9,840 persons were searched.
- 2,855 vehicles were stopped and searched.
The theme of the conference, which continues tomorrow, is Innovative Policing: Maintaining Legitimacy, Enhancing Efficiency and Enabling Effectiveness as a Service Delivery.