Acting Police Commissioner Ronald Philip has cited more robust policing among the factors responsible for a slew of illegal gun seizures so far for 2023.
“In recent times, we have seen more robust policing taking place. We have more operations happening for the year. I think we have recovered nearly fifty firearms which is a lot of firearms for a small country,” Phillip told reporters on Monday.
He spoke on the margins of the Regional Security System (RSS) Unity Exercise (UNEX) launch.
Saint Lucia will host the April 3 to 14, 2024 event.
Aside from robust policing, the Acting Police Commissioner attributed some of the police success against crime to receiving increased resources.
The Acting Police Commissioner also noted a marked increase in police visibility.
In addition, he pointed to the 555 hotline that facilitates anonymous crime reporting.
“I think it is a success story. Members of the public continue to cooperate with the police,” Phillip told reporters.
But he explained that officers and the Royal Police Force (RSLPF) needed to maintain their integrity and engender public trust in providing information to assist in solving crime.
Phillip said the RSLPF had strengthened its intelligence capability while adopting an inter-agency approach.
“I think the police officers are energised,” Phillip, whose acting appointment will run until July 31, asserted.
Headline file photo of police officers on patrol in Vieux Fort
Just keep up the pressure. There are hundreds of illegal guns still out there. Good job officers and with more public assistance we may some day have some peace of mind. We all in it together. Let’s tell them where the guns are and let them go get ‘em.
Good job! However, this is only a drop in the bucket. Keep up the pressure and penalty on possession of illegal guns. Also, launch an investigation into the source of these guns and how they get into the island.
Well done. Good work, keep it up and find the badass who is suppling.
Good Job officers, keep up the pressure. Just remember that St. Lucia doesn’t manufacture guns, so if prosecutors have to threaten maximum prison time in order in turn some into snitch then do so, because what you want is the big snake. Cut the head of the snake bringing the illegal guns in to our beautiful country. Do not allow those thugs to mash up the country, forcing investors and tourist to stay out and as a result crippling the economy.