A trust gap has existed between the public and the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF), but Acting Police Commissioner Verne Garde believes it is narrowing.
Numerous incidents and decisions made by the police have led to public scrutiny.
For example, in July 2024, an internal RSLPF document detailing social media death threats against officers was leaked.
The threats followed the police-involved fatal shooting of Maxwell Leo, also known as ‘Hennessy.’
The leak raised public concern about the security of sensitive information within the force.
Other high-profile cases have eroded public trust in the police.
They include the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Eric Thomas by an off-duty officer on February 11, 2023, and the unresolved case of Shakadan Daniel’s death.
Daniel died while in custody at the Micoud Police Station on October 23, 2013.
The lack of closure in the cases has contributed to some individuals’ reluctance to cooperate with the police.
Despite this, Acting Commissioner of Police Verne Garde remains optimistic that the relationship between the public and the police is improving.
“The amount of support that we receive on a daily basis from the community to the police, I’m starting to think that the gap is certainly getting smaller.” Garde stated at Wednesday’s press conference.
He highlighted the steady flow of information from citizens to the police, noting, “On a daily basis I receive contact from many individuals in the public, and this element is present with all my senior and junior people – we get information all the time.”
When journalists question whether the gap is truly closing, given that many families still await updates or closure on their cases, Garde reiterated his commitment to transparency.
“I am their servant, it is my responsibility to update everybody in regards to every incident concerning them, and I will do that in some cases, on a case by case basis, and in some cases- publicly.” he assured.
While the Acting Commissioner pledged to strengthen ties between the police and the community, the public remains hopeful that the RSLPF will continue building trust and transparency under his leadership and generally.
As transparency and apprehension of criminals increase, so will the public trust. Chief, I think that you are headed in the right direction. See to it that your crew show respect to earn respect. House cleaning will go a long way.