THE Police are taking fresh guard in trying to get information from a “scared” public.
A veteran British law enforcement officer is in the island training 100 of the Royal Barbados Police Force’s key officers. The training is part of an initiative by the local CrimeStoppers body which has been claiming success in helping the force to clear up crimes.
Yesterday Ian Frogget, the training and development manager with CrimeStoppers UK, yesterday said that the body had looked at the weakness of the public giving information and possible solutions.
“CrimeStoppers can reach people who do not want to talk with the police . . . . It can help with not only major crimes but those that affect everyday life in Barbados,” Frogget said.
The former detective, who spent almost three decades with the West Yorkshire Police Force, explained that CrimeStoppers UK has been around for 23 years and was happy to support the local CrimeStoppers.
Working closer
Public relations officer with the Royal Barbados Police Force, Inspector David Welch said that they were working closer with CrimeStoppers in getting the tips from the public to solve crimes.
“Some are scared of reprisal and going to court. We can’t measure the quantity at this time, but it is a concern. Some will ask, ‘do I have to go court’?” he said.
The Crimestoppers hotline should relieve those fears, Welch added.
Since February 2009 there have been 212 calls to the hotline and 393 online tips leading to 45 arrests and 47 crimes being solved. There has also been a recovery of $250 000 in property and the seizing of $2 250 000 in drugs.
Welch explained that the force had realized the enormity of the situation and was happy to be in partnership with the project that allowed Barbadians to give information anonymously.
Vice Chair of the local Crimestoppers, Julie Dash, ould collect between $100 to $1 000 depending on the crime, but there was a low percentage of people making claims. There were no plans to increase the rewards, she said.
Dash said that the local CrimeStoppers were pleased with the response by the UK branch. (AC)
