Police chief outlines new strategy as homicide count reaches 49

Acting Commissioner of Police Enville Williams on Monday outlined his new crime-fighting strategies, following a mass shooting in Paul’s Avenue on Saturday that claimed three lives.

The death of three men in that shooting — the second mass shooting in that Kingstown community this year — took the homicide count to 49.

Williams said the police have classified 46 of those killings as murder and the other three were police-involved deaths.

The police chief announced his new crime-fighting initiatives as the homicide count is now six shy of last year’s record-shattering 55, following 42 in 2022 — the previous record.

“These initiatives are designed to respond to the current challenges while continuing to improve their effectiveness,” Williams said, adding that some of the measures have yielded results.

He said the new strategies include using the cybercrime law to track criminal activities, dismantling firearm smuggling rings, a new inter-agency internal security mechanism that includes cooperation with the prisons, and ensuring that no one benefits from crime.

Williams said there has been increased police presence in targeted areas as patrols in hot spots have been intensified to provide “a strong deterrent to criminal activities and ensure rapid response to incidents.

“With the Christmas season upon us, we are deploying greater police presence to our communities and commercial areas to ensure public safety and to maintain order during this heightened activity period.”

The police chief said that the police force recognises the importance of timely intervention, adding that transportation has been made available through the support of the government.

“These resources have significantly bolstered our capacity to maintain a heightened presence and execute our duties more effectively.”

He noted the gun amnesty between March 1 and May 31 during which people handed in 17 unlicensed firearms and 327 rounds of assorted ammunition.

“This initiative reflects our proactive approach to reducing illegal firearms in circulation,” Williams said, adding that the amendments to the Firearm Act earlier this year have strengthened penalties for illegal possession and trafficking of firearms, “reinforcing our legislative framework against gun-related crimes”.

criminal group won’t be allowed to create or sustain culture of fear

The police chief said that public engagement is a crucial pillar in the strategy to combat crime and maintain order.

“We recognise that building trust and fostering cooperation with the public is essential to the success of operations.”

He said that through calculated and targeted initiatives such as community walk-throughs and direct engagements, the police force is strengthening the indispensable partnership with the public.

Williams said that the police force is aware of the narrative that cooperating with the police can be perceived as dangerous due to the influence of criminal elements.

“Let me state here, no criminal group will succeed in creating or sustaining a culture of fear in our communities,” he said.

“The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force is resolute in dismantling any perception that criminality holds more power than the collective strength of law-abiding citizens working in consort with law enforcement agencies.

“This is a shared responsibility. We are fully committed to protecting those who stand with us in the pursuit of justice and the rule of law.”

He said that the “symbolic relationship” between the police and the public is an investment that the constabulary prioritises, “knowing that its value is unmatched in fostering a safer, more secure society.

“Together, we can and will ensure that fear has no place in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Using cybercrime law against criminals

Williams said that through the calculated application of the Cybercrime Act, the police have enhanced their capabilities to analyse and act upon digital communication linked to criminal groups.

“This strategy represents a significant advantage in our ongoing operation, allowing us to act decisively in ways that may not always be apparent,” he said.

He said that while the specifics of those actions could not be disclosed in the address, they form part of “our broader, deliberate effort to maintain our edge in the fight against crime.

“Our intention is clear to remain several steps ahead of those who threaten public safety, using every lawful means available to achieve this aim.”

The police chief said that the ongoing initiatives underscore the determination of the police to safeguard the public and maintain law and order.

“While we have achieved success, however, we remain determined to define and improve these strategies to ensure they continue to address the evolving nature of crime effectively.”

He said the police force is collaborating with the Ministry of National Security and regional bodies such as the Regional Security System and CARICOM IMPACS in deploying “a structured and targeted confidential informants’ programme.

“This initiative aims to encourage the flow of information from the public while ensuring the safety and anonymity that callers desire.”

Crime prevention app

He said that during the first quarter of 2025, the police force will launch a crime prevention app “where citizens can share vital information with the police in a confidential manner from the comfort of their home or anywhere”.

Williams said the police force, in partnership with other law enforcement partners such as the customs and the Port Authority and international partners, is employing research-based approaches to intercept the trafficking of arms through the nation’s ports of entry and along its maritime borders.

“We continue to target illegal firearms entering our country. Efforts are on the way to map and dismantle networks involved in illegal arms trade. By identifying and apprehending this direct involvement and those involved and those who are benefiting financially, we aim to cut off the supply of weapons fuelling violence.”

The police chief said that an inter-agency internal security mechanism was established, including cooperation with His Majesty’s Prisons and other law enforcement present to target those so involved.

“We have shaped our focus on dismantling the financial channels supporting criminal activities, recognising that disrupting their profit strikes at the very core of the operations.

“In renewed collaboration with the FIU (Financial Intelligence Unit) and local and regional partners, we are intensifying targeted operations against individuals and entities benefiting from illicit activities including drug trafficking, firearms offences and money laundering.

“This re-innovative effort is directed at associated criminal groupings and identified targets, ensuring that no one benefits from the proceeds of crime. These actions are a critical part of our ongoing mission to dismantle the infrastructure of criminal activities within our state.”

Williams said the safety and security of the nation is of paramount importance to the police.

“The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force supported by you, our citizens and the residents, the government and regional and international partners, is unwavering in our mission to protect our citizens and uphold the rule of law.

“I call upon the communities to stand with us, to remain vigilant and to contribute to our collective effort in making Saint Vincent and Grenadines a safer place for all. Remember, if you see something, say something,” Williams said.