Submitted by Yardbroom
I have no evidence which leads me to believe, that the Barbados Police Force is not working “diligently” to achieve the aim as stated in their mission statement:
“To provide the highest quality Police service in partnership with our community, to ensure a safe stable environment.”
However, there is a perception widely held, that crime and violence are on the increase in Barbados, resulting in general unease in the populace. We became complacent over the years with the relatively safe environment we enjoyed, believing it would last forever, therefore we never prepared ourselves for the social changes which introduced a different dynamic in Barbados.
There is a counter argument often stated, that our fears are unfounded as they are fed by a media which highlights major crime and a public that reminisces about a bygone age which is unlikely to return. A fall-back position is that the level of crime in Barbados is far lower than in some of our Caribbean neighbours, Trinidad, Jamaica and Guyana being given as examples. Although true, no comfort should ever be taken from a comparison with countries whose crime rate is rated high, even in hemisphere statistics.
It is always wise to look at evidence; to that purpose I will concentrate here on those areas which appear to cause most concern.
(1) Major Crimes Against The Person, Murder. Serious Bodily Harm Endangering Life, Kidnapping, Robbery etc.
YEAR – 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Incidents – 790 808 819 764 923
A trend upwards apart from 2009.
(2) Sex Related Crimes.Rape, Indecent Assault. Assault with intent to rape.
YEAR – 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Incidents – 200 200 171 174 169
A decrease in incidents.
(3) Major Crimes Against Property. All other Burglaries/Sacrilege/ Other Crimes ( Attempts)
YEAR – 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Incidents -1864 1614 1912 1831 1938
Once again with two exceptions, 2007 and 2009 the trend is upwards.
Source: Royal Barbados Force Crime Statistics
If we are to believe figures, the evidence indicates with three year exceptions, there is an upward “trend” in those three areas of criminality. Irrespective of what raw data indicates, the perception persists that major crime is on the increase in Barbados and citizens are now more fearful than they were in previous years. It cannot be stated too strongly that the Police have an onerous task; evidenced by the recent shooting at two police officers in Christ Church.
Barbados’ society is changing and this has brought new challenges, the change has been so fast the various Law enforcement agencies are not prepared – some would contest this, particularly the Police – for this new environment. This is not to suggest that there is a lack of will, commitment or direction by the Force. However, the mission statement of the Barbados Police previously alluded to, can only be accomplished if the public shoulders their responsibility in this partnership. It is the “duty” of all citizens to be active partners in this relationship thus ensuring the safety and stability we cherish.
The Police in turn must see the Public as their friend and take cognisance of that fact, the general Public is not their enemy and should be treated with the respect it deserves. The unnecessary gruff and impolite interactions sometimes displayed are not for the modern day Police Officer. That is more suited to a night-watchman with a big stick on a Plantation – thankfully those days of “position dominance” by force are long over.
It is always a small element that causes unrest, with the subsequent disorder that bedevils us all. We owe no loyalty to these criminals, be they the same colour, from the same neighbourhood, or previous school friends. They have chosen a path of criminality, society should show their displeasure by helping the Police – that is our duty in the “partnership.”
On a separate and equally important tact that is currently being peddled – sublimely – that theft from rich people is justified because they are rich. This is nonsense. If there is a problem with how people acquired their wealth that is a different argument and there are ways to address it, but that should never be confused with how order and stability are maintained in a free society.
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.