Home Affairs Minister Dr. Virginia Albert-Poyotte believes citizen participation in the battle against crime is vital to success.
She acknowledged that crime was affecting Saint Lucia, the Caribbean, and the world.
And the Minister said the government has to put measures in place to encourage Saint Lucians to participate fully in crime-fighting.
“The citizens have a lot of information which they can share with the agencies that are combatting crime,” the Babonneau MP told reporters on Tuesday.
“With the help of the public we will certainly win the battle on crime. So we want the media to play a major role in passing on the message and encouraging people to give information,” Albert-Poyotte said.
Asked about the effectiveness of the 555 Anonymous police Hotline, the Minister said she has to obtain that information from the police.
But she observed that the Hotline was an avenue for people to give information anonymously.
“Once they can trust the system, that their identity will be protected, it should be an avenue that we can use to combat crime,” Albert-Poyotte explained.
Is that the same lady who was hinting that the crime trouble was ended almost 2 years ago. Her assessment was base on a lull… nevermind the guns were still in the hands of criminals. Sigh!
This woman is definitely detached. Public cooperation is based mainly on four principal factors. Anonymity of potential informers. Physical safety concerns of potential informers for themselves and loved ones. A sense of performing public service. An existing threat to the informer or their loved ones.
Does the public know, and trust, the secrecy and security surrounding the 555 system? What is the government doing to meet all concerns? Letting those gunslingers out on bail doesn’t endear trust. Some in the public believe, that the gunslinger can deduce who provided the tip, that got them arrested. Also, letting a gunslinger on bail is an intimidating experience for communities. The gunman uses neighborhood shortcuts like everyone else, influences impressionable young people and in a very negative way. In short, their presence is destabilizing and frightening. Potential informers are most likely to tow the line in that situation.
What exactly is the plan because all I am seeing is hopes and dreams from the people we put in charge.
How many persons in your Constituancy that have Lost their lives (Shootings).How many persons that have been Arrested and Charged for Murder .The Police Officers Do not patrol the Constituancy at all .Its a Disgrace
I hate when you all does bring into your speech conveniently that crime is all over the world. You have your house fix it first before you dabble into other people business. I believe you should step aside and source someone who is from abroad to stamp out this nonsense all of you in office supporting. Most of you knows the criminals them very well because they were part and parcel of the campaign trail to win victory. Only a matter of time to hear from those many whistle blower. I firmly believe you are not the candidate to hold or lead that portfolio. You must have experts and experience one in crime to lead the country security. You cannot come from the banana field and then say you will solved crime with zero experience this is pure BS.