Stop - Arrest - Search..., A Matter of Survival!

Those of you who know my area of expertise should have expected comments regarding yesterdays and to days headline regrading the violent and racist attack on our police officers. This is indeed a hot topic for me and the only reasons my comments have been delayed is because I did not know where to start. Never the less let us begin!

First and foremost we must begin with the cultural influences that relate to combat or 'fighting' as we say. How we react and deal with people varies based on several parameters. Here are just a few of them;

• who they are
• where we live (country / neighborhood)
• where they are
• time of day
• there sexual orientation
• how we feel
• what we are wearing
• drugs alcohol
• etc.

These parameters have been drilled in us from we were kids, thus how are raised and in what country are probably the strongest of these determining factors. These influences will dictate to us initially subconsciously then consciously how we respond to threats. Here in the Bahamas for the most part Caucasians are seen as an untouchable group especially of they are foreign group. This reality as much as we battle it, has been drilled into us for several generations and is not easily removed. This factored is amplified when this individual is seen as 'tourist' our bread and butter, persons who we must protect no matter what the cost.

Unless individuals be they police officers or the average person on the street, regularly removes or learns to jump over these barriers he / she is left with an intense experience of the 'Fight or Flight Syndrome'. This syndrome is the bodies instinctive mechanism flooding the muscles with adrenal, but because of the barriers as mentioned earlier the person does not know if they should run or not. Now some of us have because of experience, alcohol, drugs etc., are able to overcome these barriers where as some may not see them as barriers at all.

Secondly an area I would like to discuss is the comments on the web and some I have overheard in local eateries is that the police need to be taught how to properly defend themselves. You imagine how I had to bite my lip and tongue in this one. Let the record reflect that the police are given instruction in police orientated self defense. They are also taught how to properly restrain individuals, handcuff and search them. They are not taught a formal martial art as this approach is very formalized, restrictive and does lend to good combat and tactical thinking. Never the less, unlike firearms training which is regularly refreshed, police officers are not refreshed in hand to hand training. This factor in my opinion contributed greatly to the turn of events.

Thirdly, with regards to proper use of force or lack there of, there several use of force options, that for whatever reason are not adequately explored by our police force. Less lethal force options such as batons, pepper spray, and stun guns, are almost non existent in the police arsenal. In fact it would appear that after the officers has attempted to dialogue with suspects his only option if the person is not compliant is to pull out his / her weapon and shoot the person. It is the absence of these tools that caused a relatively controllable incident to exploded in to something that could have been more manageable.

This may seem untrue and not practical, but if the organization has not provided options then what is left for the officer to do. How can he adequately protect the citizenry if he has in the first instance not been adequately trained and in the second not been equipped. The management of how force is applied (fighting) especially for the police is a very delicate exercise that has repercussions in to the Public Treasury. It cannot be left to chance, as officers lives and that of the general populace depends on it.

Focus on the Begining not the End

Admittedly I would be the first to advocate for changes in laws and the how the courts are administrated. It is an obvious overwhelming situation at the courts for all those concerned. Daily I see the torrent of participants from police, to attorneys, witness, defendants, and of course the ever present spectators who flood the Bank Lane and Nassau Street area. It appears that only persons benefiting from this are the local eateries that thrive off of the reliable trafficking of persons. Never the less, this is not the where the problem with crime in our country is, as the appearance of these various players is the end result of a crime that has already been committed. Thus in my opinion it is not best place to begin to affect remedy and change. I venture to say that the courts are not even a short term solution to crime prevention as they have nothing to do with the latter. The criminal justice system is concerned about investigation and issuing of penalties and punishment. Note crime prevention should not be confused with an inadequate criminal justice system, as one only affects the other. If our concern is the amount of crime in the Bahamas, then we need to at minimum start with the various law enforcement agencies that are charged with crime monitoring and response. Those groups are the Police and Defense Forces, Immigration and Custom Departments, not the Prisons Services. Bear in mind that these agencies are also a part of the criminal justice system, but also play important roles in prevention. However, if we are REALLY serious about reducing crime i.e eliminating opportunity for crime we will start in the Social Services, Education, Youth and Sports ministries. Certainly, this suggestion is a far from the traditional focus and lead taken on by National Security. It is these ministries in my opinion that our on the ground on the front line that can develop and maintain channels for productive and creative future citizens. They also can provide the community support for the rehabilitation that so many would be and current offenders. Also important they address moral and ethical issues as opposed to matters of law. Thus appealing to the character building, and introducing individuals to rules and regulations. Failure to follow the rules and regulations at this stage may only cost points or a match not a life. If we miss the important life lessons that sports, education provide for long term socialization then we will be focused on the fighting the fire with water as opposed to just taking away the matches. My observations have determined that our family and youth groups are failing horribly, I know am a genius. This is the root problem, thus where the greatest efforts and resources need to be placed. Before we even arrive at the courts, simply take a look on our streets, the concerts the weekend and weekday hangouts. Here we will see young folks behaving rudely and out of order, of course to them it is called fun, but seriously. Fun is indeed a relative term as what you may deem as good time, other s may see as reckless. For example I have friends who can spend all day and night on the basketball court, but I am one who would prefer one on one fighting scenarios at my martial arts school. To each his own, indeed, never the less all of us regardless of our passion are willing participants. How can fun be exercised at the expense of another, where that person’s life, property and reputation are put at risk? But I am not going to irate about behavior, especially when it is in my power to control it. As the saying goes bend the tree while it is young. Well the question is who is responsible for bending these ‘cheren dem’. Once again what I see is the failure of parents, not all but just enough to cause as of May 2010 a murder count and armed robbery count that are unacceptable. Thus civil society and government must now step up to the plate. Should the civil society or the government be raising our kids, of course not, however if the are failures in parenting something must be done. It is better to engage that young man or woman now before they come crawling through your window and place a gun to your head. Before is the operative word here, it speaks to prevention, delay, deterrence. Unlike after which speaks to detection, detention and penalties. If we put to much focus on after affects we will miss the proverbial boat, and not really impact the occurrence of crime. Our youth need positive outlets for their energy, frustration and conflicts. A prime example of this is Junkanoo; here we see the melting pot of various background come together to accomplish one goal. During the preparation time we see discipline, confidence and respect for and towards the other person regardless of socioeconomic status. This model needs to be followed, tapped into and harnessed as it speaks to our ability to live together in harmony, and produce a product that is truly Bahamian

Just scratching the Surface

If the what we are seeing recently in the police is a sign questionable recruitment practices and inadequate training, then we must ask what other issues lay hidden waiting to rear its ugly head. Currently the prosepective police under go what is called an extended interview process, where the potential candidate spends two days on campus undergoing both physical and psychological assessments. By comparison, I am not aware of any other organization / company locally that undertakes such a rigorous process. You must also bear in mind that those who make it to this phase would have also had to have passed an entrance exam.

With such a comprehensive approach, then we must ask what goes wrong, maybe the results of these assessments are not adhered too or maybe because of other external influences.

Similarly the training process is very extensive, and really, based on organizational policy takes 2 years to complete, yes the equivalent of a college degree. So what again I ask what is going wrong? Why is such a comprehensive, admired and exhaustive program finding itself wanting?

Some would say that no system is perfect, I agree with this never the less the proof is in the pudding. As indicated the new, we can still call him 'new' Commissioner has a task. He must tidy inside the house and outside and at the same time keep the country safe from crime and reduce the fear of it also.

Policing the Police

What a task in front of him, new Commissioner of Police has the apparently daunting task of not only policing the Community at large but also the members of his organization. In the last few weeks we have seen several officers brought before the courts on a variety of charges and allegations. It does not look good for the Force.., or does it?

When we see anyone or organization without hesitation dealing with his or their organizations faults we think it is for the better. The reality folks conray to popular belief the police are not free of their delinquencies. Thus the Commissioner and his leadership team should be commended for their efforts to bring creditability and respect back to the organization. This as painful as it is has to begin from the inside. The public must not just hear the talk but see the actions of cleaning up of the police force.

We totally support these efforts and endorse them as necessary step in ensuring the public regains and maintains the confidence in the police force.

Crime Analysis 101

Have you ever wondered why some stores are selected and other are not when it comes to robbery and stealing? Maybe it is random selection, I think not, you and your business have been targeted and for the most part your actions or inaction create on a daily basis opportunity for criminals to steel and commit robbery. It may be a harsh pill to swallow but really the blame for your business being targeted and robbed is partially your fault. On numerous occasion we here the police giving tips on how to set up your store or business, where to place the cash register, limiting the amount of cash that is on site or reducing the amount of advertisement covering the windows. Unfortunately this advice goes in one ear and out the other for the sake of increasing the potential for a sale and making the shopping experience more convenient. Really, the question is, are these recommendations sound and will they actually work. Well first as I have said numerous times in this column security must be seen as multilayered initiative and no one method or strategy can work in isolation. There is no sense in fortifying your front door with the best locks and your back door is mage of composite wood. When giving lectures on crime prevention I regularly ask my audience questions that attempt to heighten and increase their awareness. It also helps them by answering these questions to realize how much in control they really are. By allowing the participants to become crime analyst of sort, I am better able to assist them in developing strategy for protection that is more real and personnel to them. I remind them in these discussions to not use the media as the only measuring stick, especially when it comes to crime that affects them directly. In many instance the only reliable measuring stick is what is happening in their own neighborhoods and industry. You too can participate in this exercise and answer these questions. Note these questions no make no reference to the police response time, how long will the matter take before it is disposed of before the courts, and how long will the suspect be incarcerated. Those questions speak to another area of crime prevention that requires a collective approach to have these responses and wait times reduced. How would you rate the current crime trends in the Bahamas? High Medium Low The crime rate in the Bahamas is not exclusive to New Providence and thus all the Family Islands must be factored in. Too often we become Nassau Centric and believe the country lives and dies by New Providence. This questions begs the reader to step out of their reality as their community may be facing high instances of crime but in Salina Point, Acklins crime is only heard about during the evening news What is the crime rate where your business is located? High Medium Low This question brings the reality of crime closer to home by asking you to give a count of the number business in your shopping center / mall / plaza / are being robbed etc. What types of business are experiencing high crime rates? Retail Wholesale Food Service Corporate Entities Banks Web Shops Hospitals Some business types have a very low possibility of violent crime because of what they do, while others are very prone to violent events. Has your business been victim of crime? Yes / No If crime has not touched your business for whatever reason there may be several reasons as to why. They can range form location, operating hours, honest staff, etc. Where are violent crimes occurring? Home Work Play This has a lot to do with location but also business type. More times or less it has to do with perception and the When are violent crimes occurring? Morning Day Night Weekdays Weekends Knowing when or have a good idea to when you or your business is vulnerable is very important. This information can help with the allocation of the necessary security measures at the appropriate time. Too many instances exist where insufficient tactics were in place to deal with the threat. Who are committing these offenses? Men Women Adults TeensIf you know who the most likely suspects are you can better defend against them. This may sound like profiling, maybe it is, but the real question is it necessary. The difficulty lies with balancing your ethics with your survival WHY??????? There are possibly thousands of motivating factors for why one commits crime, your consideration regarding this should be let to the criminologist and a court of the person is caught. So do worry to much about motive at this point. Simple questions that you should take a moment to think about, as the answer of which will play an important part in what you do. Essentially it is the first and in my opinion the most important part of any crime prevention strategy. It is my opinion that reducing crime is not rocket science, but rather a simple look at causation factors and reduce the opportunities for them to happen. Easier said than done you may say, but if you have taken the time to answer the above questions you have taken the first step in this process. Does this process alone make you an expert, no you were expert long before this, I am only trying to help you organize your experience. This approach I hope will assist you in selecting the appropriate counter measures to reduce your exposure to crime.