The Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) will benefit from improved conditions at stations across the island and state-of-the-art technology as they continue the fight against crime.

This assurance came today from Acting Attorney General, Michael Lashley, as he addressed the Force???s annual conference at Solidarity House.

Mr. Lashley disclosed Government???s plan to move ahead with its $76 million capital programme for the construction of police stations and civic centres, and the acquisition of over $800,000 worth of equipment to enhance the Force???s forensic capacity.

???In recognition of the crucial role which this department plays, Government assumes a highly supportive stance with respect to ensuring that critical needs are met,??? he pointed out.

Work on the Hastings/Worthing Police Station is expected to be high on the list when the programme gets under way within the first half of 2015, while construction of the Cane Garden Police Station is expected to begin later this year.

In addition, the Black Rock Police Station is also earmarked for refurbishment, as it will house the Truth Verification Unit and the Family Conflict Unit. Meanwhile, design drawings for the new Police Headquarters building at The Pine, St. Michael, are also being undertaken.

However, Mr. Lashley pointed out that Government was equally aware of the Force???s need for state-of-the-art forensic technology to detect and fight some elements of crime.

As a result, he revealed that Government was in the process of acquiring the new IBIS Bullettrax HD3D Acquisition Station and the Bullet Viewer software licence.

???This equipment is valued at over $800,000 but it is considered a worthwhile investment since it will enhance the Force???s forensic capacity in relation to the examination and analysis of bullets recovered at scenes of crime,??? the Acting Attorney General stated.

Meanwhile, Mr. Lashley noted that police officers also benefited from a number of training opportunities in the areas of polygraph testing, cybercrime and crime prevention, offered through agencies like the Regional Security System, the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative and the Organization of American States.

He also commended efforts by officers who were trained in handling victims of human trafficking and in developing a National Plan of Action for human trafficking.

???There is no doubt that there are a number of wide-ranging and complex challenges engaging the attention of the Royal Barbados Police Force. These include violent crimes, human trafficking, the impact of the drug culture, and white collar crime driven by easy access to technology.

???It is imperative that in order to address these matters effectively, the Police Force must be furnished with the necessary capacity to respond effectively,??? the Acting Attorney General stated.

julia.rawlins-bentham@barbados.gov.bb

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