St Ann falls down on commissioner’s priorities amid rise in murder, rape
Published:Tuesday | October 10, 2023 | 12:12 AM
The Police Civilian Oversight Authority (PCOA) has reported that the St Ann Police Division has only been able to implement satisfactorily one of the three 2022-2023 Police Commissioner’s Strategic Priorities in the parish.
In its quarterly newsletter for the period April to June, the PCOA found that the division was able to apply in a satisfactory manner the Crime Reduction and Control Strategy during the period despite a shortage of police personnel at every level.
The PCOA reviewed the divisional and station data, in addition to comparing crime statistics for 2022 with the corresponding period for 2023.
The divisional policing plan stipulated a 10 per cent target for reducing serious and minor crimes by December 31 this year.
A review of the crime statistics showed that there was a reduction of crime in the parish by 19.6 per cent as at May 31 this year. However, while there was a decline in shootings, aggravated assault, robbery and break-ins, both murder and rape increased during the period.
In terms of its strategic priority of Improving Accountability and Professional Standards, the St Ann Division fell down on the job.
The PCOA noted that the division had a plan to train 50 per cent of its personnel in customer service by the end of the year.
The data up to May 31, according to the PCOA, showed that only 7.5 per cent of the personnel were trained in customer service.
In addition, the PCOA said that a minimum of 50 per cent of subofficers are to be trained in supervisory management by year end. However, the records revealed that none were trained or sensitised in supervisory management.
In the area of Enhancing Staff Welfare, the PCOA team found that there was much work to be done in the division to achieve the targeted goal by the end of December.
The divisional policing plan indicated that one of the targets is to train and sensitise 80 per cent of the staff in financial planning and management for the stated period. The data collected from the division’s administration showed that 17 per cent of the personnel were trained or sensitised in financial planning and management.
Additionally, the plan had a target of recognising the top performer for each station monthly. Records and interviews conducted indicated that this initiative was not implemented at all stations.
Meanwhile, the justices of the peace (JPs) in St Ann have called for the relocation of the barracks at the Claremont station in the parish. According to the PCOA, the JPs are deeply concerned about the condition of the barracks and safety of officers assigned to the station.
The PCOA has reported that the premises which serve as the barracks have fallen into disrepair. However, the police oversight body said that both male and female officers continue to occupy the building for the purpose of sleeping and changing their clothes.
The PCOA said it received a commitment from the Property Management and Maintenance Division that there are plans to design a proper facility on the station compound for the police personnel.
Overcrowding of cells at station lock-ups was also highlighted by the JPs. A senior officer told the PCOA that the division had been suffering from overcrowding at all of its lock-ups.
The PCOA was told that steps were being made to transfer some of the prisoners to lock-ups outside of the parish.