Attorney at Law Mary Francis has cited trust issues regarding a new police initiative offering compensation for information about crimes.
“I am not too sure. I wish them luck. They are using everything in their arsenal to fight crime, and I suppose whatever they feel is necessary is within their discretion,” the outspoken Human Rights advocate told St Lucia Times.
The police have since released a promotional video on the crime tips initiative.
However, Mary Francis doubted there would be a level of cooperation required.
The National Centre for Legal Aid and Human Rights Coordinator asserted it would boil down to public trust.
And although the police have pointed out that the compensation for crime information initiative would ensure anonymity, Francis nevertheless felt some people would be apprehensive about coming forward.
In addition, she explained that there’s much the police can do to gain public trust.
According to Francis, one aspect pertains to how the Police Complaints Unit functions.
She recalled that at a news conference on Monday, Deputy Police Commissioner Ronald Phillip said that citizens who felt the police had trampled on their rights could take their case to the unit or a lawyer.
But Francis declared that the Complaints Unit is not working.
“From where I sit at my office I have two outstanding matters going on for almost three years now,” the Human Rights advocate disclosed.
“It has passed through Mr. (Severin) Moncherry, it has passed through Mr. (Milton) Desir, and it is now on the desk of the new Commissioner, and they don’t even reply to your letters of concern,” Francis lamented.
In this regard, she urged reform of the Police Complaints Unit to include decision timelines.
“All that is part of crimefighting and building up trust,” Francis declared.
This is a very constructive initiative and law abiding citizens should give it support. The police needs to use everything in their tool box to fight crime. My only concern is the safety and anonymity of those who report criminal activity. St.Lucia is small and information leaks out which can jeopardize witnessed. I lend my support.
JOhn Brown the same way the police know all those involved in criminal activity is the same way the criminals will know who come forward. As you said St. Lucia is small. Not just in physical dimensions but the mindset and IQ of its people.
i totally agree with you mary. and its not only about the police, if you have a problem with someone they will tell you go to the police or take the person to court. When you do this most times its a waste of your time and you get no justice and this is why people take the quicker way out of just paying someone to kill you. and you will wonder why there are so much killings.
@Just saying – your are spot on with you comment….100 percent – every word you posted is true.
There is no confidentiality in St. Lucia, not even in the healthcare industry or any other industry for that matter…..SHAMEFUL
WELL SAID
Those who have issues with this initiative, suggest a better one. There’s got to be a method which works. The longer it takes for the collection of compensation the safer it gets. .Memories are short in SLU.
Although I have not seen the video but how I think this should work is there need to be a “Crime Line” where an individual can call and give information. The Crime Line unit will then transfer the information to the police and ensure compensation to the individual without visual contact. In that case everyone will be safe. The unanimous caller do not have to contact the police directly.