On Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, I returned to a job I had been fired from after 27 years of service. Today, I am very proud and humbled to be stepping away from active politics, having achieved my goal of “removing the wicked ULP administration from office” that suppressed its people.
This recent change in government in St. Vincent and the Grenadines presents an opportunity for the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) to undergo a much-needed transformation. The new administration has a chance to address the pressing issues plaguing the force and implement reforms that will enhance morale, human resource management, promotions, welfare issues, forensic capabilities, and overall performance.
Improving morale is crucial for the RSVGPF. The new government can take several steps: conduct regular surveys to gauge officer satisfaction and concerns, implement recognition programmes for outstanding service, provide access to mental health support and counselling services, foster a culture of transparency and accountability, and develop clear policies for recruitment, training, and career development.
A fair and transparent promotion process is essential, backed by top-notch training. This includes establishing clear criteria for promotions based on merit and performance, implementing a robust evaluation system, and providing ongoing training and professional development opportunities, such as specialised training in forensic science, cybercrime, and community policing, as well as leadership and management training for senior officers.
Beat and patrol officers are the frontline ambassadors of the RSVGPF. To make this role desirable and prestigious, experienced and trained officers should be assigned to these duties, equipped with the necessary resources, including mobile units, and recognised and rewarded for outstanding performance in community engagement and crime prevention.
Attaching mobile units to beat and patrol teams will enhance visibility and response. Vehicles should be well-maintained and equipped with necessary technology, and officers trained to use them effectively.
Investing in forensic capabilities and equipment will enhance the force’s ability to investigate and solve crimes. This includes upgrading forensic equipment and technology, providing specialised training for officers, and collaborating with international agencies to stay up to date on best practices.
Adequate resources are vital for effective policing. The Government should invest in a modern fleet of vehicles for patrol and response, ensure proper maintenance and fuelling systems are in place, and equip vehicles with necessary technologies
The police garage can be partially commercialised to generate revenue. By offering services to other agencies, private companies, or individuals, the garage can support police operations and provide quality services. Transparency and accountability are key to avoiding conflicts of interest.
A centralised garage with decentralised inspections can improve efficiency. Strengthening the police garage and decentralising routine vehicle inspections can reduce downtime and improve response. In-house repairs and maintenance can reduce reliance on external agencies and save costs.
The justice system has a role in reducing crime, particularly in addressing witness intimidation. Implementing witness protection programmes, strengthening laws against intimidation, engaging with communities, and establishing anonymous reporting mechanisms can encourage witnesses to come forward.
The policy manual that I developed over five years, with assistance from WPC Gordon — an RSS project — can help bring the RSVGPF to international standards. This framework includes standardised procedures, training and capacity building, accountability mechanisms, and community policing principles.
By prioritising these reforms, the new government has the opportunity to build a more effective, efficient, and respected police force that serves the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines with excellence.
Brenton Smith, MSc, Dip
The opinions presented in this content belong to the author and may not necessarily reflect the perspectives or editorial stance of iWitness News. Opinion pieces can be submitted to [email protected].
Too advance for the backward mentality of some Vincentians. just stick to an upgrade maintainance and proper police training. Lol, most of these suggestion will never happen if so be enforced.
i ain hear nuttnu about bringing the fire brigade up to international standard and equipping our fire men with better gear so they can out fire before the house burn to the ground
I hereby recommend you, Officer Brenton Smith to be appointed as Chief Technical Advisor of the RSVGPF with a Free Hand to put into effect every single recommendation that you have so Brilliantly detailed in this Document. I. beg to disregard your opening statement that “you are stepping down from active politics.” Respectfully ah don’t.accept that! Your Stand was one of courage to lead the struggle against all Injustices! Immoral Principles and Bad Practices! Wrong Doings! and Pull-it-tek-all Victim-I-Say-Shun in your workplace. You must be rewarded for your Brave and Bold Stand. I Thank you and so will the citizens of SVG. BLESSINGS no
Congratulations and welcome back!
Every plan that the enemy had is canceled.
You shall live and declare His good works.
You shall be the head and not the tail.
Every stronghold is pulled down in the name of Jesus.
A bland, ChatGPT article, with empty promises.
I agree with Mr. Smith’s views and plans. I’d like to see E-Bikes used in communities so the police can ride around to see what’s going on and communicate with the people in the town or village. There will be no need for gas for these bikes. They can be easily recharged by Solar panels. Each police station must and should have 24 hours coverage. There is a shift system in Kingstown that can and should be implemented throughout the island. If it means hiring more police; then so be it. The police needs professional photographers to use cameras when dealing with crimes or accidents. I believe if all these ideas and plans go into effect it can and will reduce the crime rate.
Good Luck Mr. Smith!
The same thing is happening here and it will happen over and over with the Police Force. Unless these things mentioned by Smith are truly implemented. Why? Because the Government is the Head of the Police, no matter which Government is elected. Police Officers and countrymen against countrymen. The entire Police Force needs a revamp and a professional standard of Merit for promotion. Completely detached from the Government. Let the Police Commissioner and the entire Police Force serve the people and not the Government….Not because this particular Officer supports a particular Government or if an Officer criticises the Government for their wicked and corrupt behaviour then he/she is thrown under the bus with no regard.