In a move to modernise policing and sharpen investigative response, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) this week officially handed over 45 new laptops to its Criminal Investigations Department (CID).
Commissioner of Police Verne Garde said the devices represent a strategic push to strengthen investigations, boost operational efficiency, and keep pace with increasingly sophisticated criminal activity.
Speaking at the brief handover ceremony, Garde, who assumed leadership of the RSLPF in 2024, noted that modernisation has been a central promise of his tenure. Upon taking office, he submitted a comprehensive plan to Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Philip J. Pierre outlining strategies to upgrade the force’s capabilities, particularly in investigative work.
A key component of that plan is enhancing the efficiency and professionalism of the Criminal Investigation Department. The police chief said the new laptops are intended to give officers the tools they need to record, assess and process information accurately.
“We made an application for the purchase of 45 computers in the first instance. And I must say that today we are the recipients of these 45 laptops to ensure that investigation in the police force is done in a way that it will elicit follow-through and a professional approach towards doing the police work,” he said.
According to Garde, the devices selected are “top-of-the-line”, capable of integrating with the police’s newly acquired management system. This interface will allow CID officers to access and update real-time data, improving coordination and investigative response across various departments.
He described the upgrade as essential for ensuring that the police force now has “contemporary and real-time information” at its fingertips.
Garde also extended gratitude to Prime Minister Pierre for his support in fulfilling the procurement request. The formal distribution of the laptops will be overseen by Superintendent of Police, Dr. Mashama Sealy, who is responsible for their rollout within the CID.
The RSLPF says the investment is one of several ongoing efforts toward improving public safety through technology-driven policing.
