By Adrian Frater, Staff Reporter
WESTERN BUREAU:
STATISTICS REVEALING that the majority of murders committed in St. James since the start of 2001 are domestically related, are causing much concern within the upper ranks of the parish police division.
"While we are pleased with the noticeable reduction in robbery-related murders, we are definitely concerned about the number of domestic murders," said Deputy Superintendent Roy Boyd, St. James' new crime chief.
"Because domestic violence has no set pattern, it is most difficult to make plans to control it."
Based on information released by the police, eleven of the 18 murders committed in St. James since the start of the year arose from domestic disputes.
The figures show that of the other seven murders, no motive has been found for five, and two are labelled as reprisal killings.
Knives and machetes have been the most prominent weapons, with the former linked to seven killings and the latter to six.
The gun, which figured prominently in the over 50 murders committed in the parish last year, has been used in six murders.
"While it is satisfying to see a clear reduction in gun-related murders, we are still concerned about the number of killings," said Peter Salkey, the CCN liaison officer for St. James.
"We are particularly concerned about the domestic murders which are unpredictable and have been causing so much pain for different families."
Taking credit for the reduction in gun-related murders, the police said it was as a consequence of a new initiative that involved putting more policemen on patrol.
In its bid to rid the streets of guns, the police have been successful in seizing some 16 illegal firearms.
"Our strategy includes the strengthening of community policing and having more patrols on the road," said DSP Boyd.
"Crime cannot be fought in our offices so we are looking at taking out more personnel from our offices and putting them on the streets where there is a much greater demand for the services."
The new crime chief said it would not be as easy to map strategies for domestic crimes, but he is of the view that it can be reduced if community members begin looking out for each other.
"If you have a neighbour who is constantly quarrelling and fighting, you could try to talk to them and encourage them to go and seek counselling," said DSP Boyd. "If you are afraid to interfere, you could call the police because we have trained personnel that can offer guidance and counselling to these individuals."
In a bid to solicit greater public support and co-operation, officer Salkey said that there is a need to get rid of the notion that persons who cooperate with the police are 'informers.'
"Crime and violence is not solely the business of the police because it affects all of us," said the liaison officer. "As police officers, we will always be vigilant in our fight against violent crimes, but we do need the assistance of the public."
