Dunkley: Continuing Police Support Essential
(Written by Senator Michael Dunkley, Shadow Minister for Public Safety)
With Bermuda’s gun violence continuing at record levels, we are pleased the Police have moved aggressively to assert a stronger presence on the streets.
Last weekend’s sweep, in which dozens were arrested and hundreds stopped for questioning, may be the kind of action necessary to impede and interrupt gang activities.
We have long called for proactive policing that helps curb and control the gun violence, which has become the number one threat to Bermuda’s well-being.
In this regard, we again call for the police to be given all the tools and funding necessary to combat gang violence. Over the past two years, we have put forward numerous recommendations to support more effective Police action. These have included:
- Expanded training to increase the number of officers properly trained to deal with the new violence, including more armed officers if required. We need to equip Police with the skills to take on multiple policing tasks, to strengthen intelligence gathering and improve investigatory expertise. The Police training budget this year was 20% below what it was two years ago. This must change.
- Police must have the manpower required to get the job done and we must look to train more officers to ease on the overtime burden.
- A strong Police presence in problem areas is a must. For the shootings to stop we expect Police to apply full pressure in all areas of concern – and this means a visible armed 24/7 presence, with no tolerance for any law-breaking, with a constant watch on gang members and drug dealers.
- Community policing. The Service needs to embed officers in communities across the island. A dedicated community policing effort – once the backbone of a law-abiding Bermuda – can help Police building relationships with residents that don’t now exist.
- Operation Ceasefire. This is a US-based programme that had dramatic impact on gang violence in the most troubled US cities. Operation Ceasefire brings to bear the strong arm of the police on gangs while offering their members an out through the compassionate and ongoing support of the community. The programme appears to be tailor-made for Bermuda, and should be considered by the government as a way forward.
Well, apparently Mike must be really up too date with our comments here and on facebook.
At least someone is paying attention or using our thoughts and words..
I love Bermuda and I keep coming back to your beautiful Island!
However Bermuda is going a change and its not a pretty one. The community spirit, love and concern for each other is slowly dying out. I am noticing how Bermudians want to be like Jamaicans.. Patois (Patwa) at the parties vs. speaking in urn very beautiful accents. Following the ” Cool” lifestyle adopting the way of the Gun and life of thugs Vs being loving , caring and realizing how this will affect the future of your economy ( Tourism & Insurance Industry) and the future of your children.
Every day I wake up to shootings and thefts etc. It breaks my heart to see this beautiful Island become an Island filled with hatred for each other. Ur Island is soo small there is no room for hate!
A.I don’t think an Operation Ceasefire will work in Bermuda , unless the Ex gang member is offered full protection and will probably have to live out the rest of their lives off the island.
B.Guns, how can Bermuda fight the gun issue with a taser? It doesn’t make sense!! the guns are in the hands of criminals and they are not scared of the police.
Isn’t there a Police Cadet program in Bermuda? Increase the number of spots and develop these young Bermudian Men and Woman to love and protect each other and develop relationships with prominent members of the community and work together towards a common goal.
Just a few thoughts, thanks for reading:)