The Minister for National Security, Justice and Home Affairs, Rayburn Blackmoore, said community policing is the answer to public disaffection, even as the ministry plans to increase the number of serving police officers to 600. Blackmoore said raising the number of police officers and implementing community policing will boost public confidence in the police as well as resolve potential conflicts arising from police mistrusts.
“In a changing and more dynamic society, citizens are going to expect more from the police force,” Hon. Blackmoore said. “They will want public places to be safe with an expectation of a reassuring police presence to help them feel secure. This approach also requires greater engagement between the public and the police. That element of suspicion that exists between police and public must be addressed and I am convinced that community policing is the answer.”
Meanwhile, the government has appointed a community policing consultant to iron out the technicalities involved in implementing community policing. Mr. David Micheal is a former commissioner of police and a former Scotland Yard detective in the United Kingdom. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth for his outstanding community service before returning home to Dominica.
The minister for national security also disclosed that technological equipment will be provided to police officers to enable them to discharge their duties more efficiently, and that they will undergo constant human resource training to keep them in physical and mental shape for the tasks ahead. To boost their morale, he also added that new buildings to accommodate at least 200 police officers will be constructed near the current police headquarters, and that more female police officers will be enlisted to join the Force.
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