Policing in Anguilla

After numerous discussions with various members of our communities ,it has become painfully apparent thatthere are several Policing problems facing the RAPF.Most of the negativity,however, stems from a lack of trust they have in the RAPF.Consequently ,they believe that it would be detrimental to their safety to actively assist Police with ongoing investigations.It is however,a dangerous gamble to adapt that attitude since to withdraw or withhold information usually causes more harm than good.The resultant backlash or out come could be disastrous for everyone as a whole,where criminals freely roam our streets and go unpunished for crimes they commit.Anguilla will become somewhat of a lawless state where things will only get worse.Police operates within the guidelines of the laws and constitution of our country.They are empowered to enforce those statues,however,it is also the duty of the populace to assist and render aid wherever necessary.Failure to act in that capacity ,creates a dominoe effect within our society.It places an extra burden on the resources of the entire legal system and the Police .In turn, there develops an atmosphere of antagonism between both parties.The Police ,who relies on the public to assist during their various investigations are deprived of valuable information critcal to solving their cases because of lower public involvement.Consequently ,a great deal of tension develops between them and the public ,who they swore to protect and serve.This tension gives way to resentment and eventually sub-standard work form the Police who feel let down and disrespected by the public.The public ,as a result, reacts with accusations of inefficiency and allegations of corruption by the Police for their failure to adequately protect them and solve crimes within our community.This breakdown allows the criminal element among us to grow and operate with impunity.They take advantage to this rift to expand their criminal enterprises ,even empolying their our tactics to furhter solidify their place in our communities.
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is at an dismal level ,thus it forces Gov't to recruit form outside.Most of our problems appear to have a direct link with these practices.Angillians,as a habit, are always skeptical of the motives of people they don't know and this breeds distrust.Our thinking that we are belongers and they are not invites disaster especially whenthey are acting in their official capacities.
The RAPF need to develop a comprehensive plan to inform the Public of their activities and to encourage a better working relationship with the community.There programs such as commminity watches ,that allows communities the ability to meet with the police via regular meetings.It is here that the community are informed of some of the practices and procedures employed by Police.A new appreciation and working relationship between both groups will eventually result in a more effective and efficient Police Department.
Law enforcement world wide rely heavily on public participation in solving crimes.Rember the terrorists would not have been caught if the public had chosen not to do thier part.We have to sometimes weigh what's at stake and do the right thing no matter how unpopular.Patriotism reflect the pride for ones country and if we have that we will act responsibly whenever we are required to irrespective of how we feel.
It behooves us to uphold our duty to assist the Police as this will only improve their efficiency and productivity.We can erradicate the corrupt within our midst but it will take time and diligence and committment.
Let us first work at improving our association with the police so that we can get a handle on this crime wave.We can still work in the back ground to ensure the corrupt in the RAPF are terminated and prosecuted where necassary.