Speaking to the press after the launch of the police’s summer camp, Greenslade commented on the demeanour of the criminals in The Bahamas, which he said is different from criminals of the past.
He said many of the murders — which have hit 67 for the year — have been the result of arguments. And he said that robbers are committing murder for no reason other than they “just don’t care.”
And men account for more than 80 percent of the murders, according to statistics.
“There are persons who will take your money and not just rob you, but shoot you, kill you, maim you,” Greenslade said. “If you’ve robbed a person and taken their money why would you have to kill them?”
Greenslade insisted that the detection and apprehension of dangerous criminals could be increased if friends and families of those criminals assist in turning them in to police. He said, though, that the police have been successful in finding and arresting violent criminals this year.
“We have been arresting prolific offenders on a consistent basis, thousands of persons being arrested over the course of the year, hundreds of weapons taken off the street and thousands of rounds of ammunition,” Greenslade said.
“There is no night that we do not knock on the doors of homes, execute search warrants and arrest people. Their names are known, their faces are known and they live on an island 21 by 7 — 80 square miles.
“This is not about pointing fingers, not about being defensive; this is about waking up as a people and recognizing that we have some major problems that we have to come to terms with,” he added.
Greenslade contended that nothing is more important than getting to the young people and showing them positive role models.
Bahamas Union of Teachers President Belinda Wilson said in a statement released on Monday that she applauds the police’s effort to come back into the schools.
“The liaison officers would be a much welcomed addition to the schools as health and safety is of paramount importance for our schools,” she said. “For the past several years, crimes such as stealing, fighting, bullying and stabbings are common occurrences on school campuses and around schools before, during and after school hours. This decision should have a positive impact on curbing criminal activities in and around schools.”