The strategy, according to Minister Condor, “gives all groupings in society an opportunity to be heard on this most strategic area of our Nation’s developmental thrust. It is hey that we build relationships, encourage members of our community to cooperate with the police, to prevent and to solve crime. It is also extremely useful that the needs of the community are identified when setting targets and developing policing policy.”
When he made these comments, Minister Condor was delivering brief remarks at the 37th Graduation Ceremony for the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force’s 38th Training Course.
He noted that resulting from feedback gleaned from the Engagement Strategy exercise, “we would be able to review and reform the agenda, in terms of good policing practice. And in this regard to seek the necessary assistance in upgrading the knowledge and skills base of the human resource; and at the same time, the modernizing of infrastructure and equipment portfolio.”
“We shall in fact continue to make the necessary reforms in keeping with the standards of a changing environment.
- Reforms that will bring Policing closer to the Community; and the Community closer to Policing.
- Reforms that would produce a Blue Print for Policing in this modern era.
- Reforms which see the Police High Command, working in tandem with a strong independent oversight, to ensure a greater degree of accountability.”
The strategies of the Ministry of National Security and associated and affiliated agencies, according to Condor, are aimed at “the enhancement of peace, security and stability” and arresting “the escalation of criminal activities”.
Urgent implementation of the necessary reforms in this regard is paramount and he indicated that with the passage of time, the police would be briefed on the National Security Strategies “going forward”.