Tuesday, July 1, 2014
By SANCHESKA BROWN
Tribune Staff Reporter
sbrown@tribunemedia.net
COMMISSIONER OF Police Ellison Greenslade yesterday credited the decrease in major crime in New Providence to the arrests of several high profile prolific offenders.
The Commissioner said officers have been arresting and re-arresting criminals who should not “have been on the street in the first place”.
“It is simply because we locked up a lot of people. We have arrested people who should have never been on the streets and moving on out into communities,” he said.
“Yes, we have targetted them and arrested them and put them back in prison. If we keep them there, then the streets will remain quiet. Let me say that again: they should not be on the streets, among our people. They have committed serious crimes and we target them and arrest them. As long as they remain off the streets, it will continue to be quiet.”
Commissioner Greenslade also commended the government for making amendments to the Bail Act to prevent persons who are out on bail for serious crimes, specifically murder, to be granted bail a second time when charged with another serious crime.
He said once prolific offenders are taken off the streets, crime will decrease dramatically.
Last month, National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage said statistics show that most major crime categories have decreased significantly.
However despite his claims that murders in New Providence are down four per cent, newly released crime statistics show that up to June 10, the murder rate across the Bahamas has actually risen this year by nine per cent to a total of 61, compared to the 56 recorded by that same date last year.
Yesterday, Dr Nottage said despite “what may have been said” he told the truth and crime is still trending downward.
He said: “Crime is still going down. We have people who say I haven’t been truthful on the matter but it is the truth. I said that murders were down in New Providence and I also indicated the murder rate is up for the Bahamas, so I do not know why there is confusion. We do have some policies in place that seem to be having a positive effect and we should look at it and accept it for what it is. We are also continuously upping the ante and introducing more measures. I am hopeful that crime will continue downward and murders are decreased or eliminated.”
Comments
Cornel says...
What a new and exciting concept ! ! Arrest Criminals.
Posted 1 July 2014, 7:46 a.m. Suggest removal
PastorTroy says...
Very interesting, it must have been an intense discussion to come up with this idea. Am sure many 'lawmakers' politicians and their cronies, who benefit from crime and representing criminals in court in this country are very sad of this ruling.
Posted 1 July 2014, 7:57 a.m. Suggest removal
ThisIsOurs says...
*I said that murders were down in New Providence and I also indicated the murder rate is up for the Bahamas, so I do not know why there is confusion.*
Posted 1 July 2014, 9:33 a.m. Suggest removal
gkeato says...
So, the the Police in Nassau have decided to chase high"profile" criminals? Is this for real?
an Amazing breakthrough in crime fighting. I can't wait for the next idea!
Posted 1 July 2014, 10:41 a.m. Suggest removal
sheeprunner12 says...
CRIME SOLUTION: catch and lock up prolific offenders ............ no trial, conviction and sentencing????? Am I missing something?????????????? NO BAIL???????
Posted 1 July 2014, 11:13 a.m. Suggest removal
TalRussell says...
Refreshing news with the Commish of Policeman's confirmation that his policeman's have been placing their priority on several High Profile Prolific Offenders (HPPO). Hopefully, they can know turn their swoops away from just arresting the little people, to the arrest and charge attention of the known (HPPO) Illegal numbers operators, along with also known to policeman's of the the many House of Assembly MP's, Senators and High Ranking Government officials also facing jail time for their failure to follow the law, requiring a full disclosure of their assets and liabilities. It has been rumored that at least 3 parliamentarians are financially bankrupt, making them unfit to serve as parliamentarians, but too damn scared to file.
Posted 1 July 2014, 11:19 a.m. Suggest removal
Well_mudda_take_sic says...
Nottage was catching so much flack on his attempts to "talk" down the level of crime that he had to tell Greenslade: "As the Police Commissioner you are expected to cover the back of me as the Minister of National Security!" Now we have Greenslade also "talking" down the level of crime." Meanwhile the known mobsters and racketeers (numbers' bosses) behind the illegal gambling houses are laughing it up as they play golf on the best golf courses we have in our country. Nottage, Maynard-Gibson and Greenslade are each absolutely useless - you can call them the "wurtless trio" - when it comes to enforcing the laws of our country and reducing the high level of crime threatening our very survival as a civil society and tourist destination.
Posted 1 July 2014, 11:36 a.m. Suggest removal
TigerB says...
Well its good to see the Commissioner of Police. It seems when all hell is breaking loose he is no where to be found but seemingly now that crime appears to be down he shows up on television with all smiles. Often my heart goes out to Supt Paul Rolle who have to shoulder all of that criminal load. Good to see a break in the criminal activity.
Posted 1 July 2014, 11:56 a.m. Suggest removal
proudloudandfnm says...
Wait. They are just NOW deciding to target career criminals?
Man WTF?!?!?!?
Posted 1 July 2014, 12:34 p.m. Suggest removal
GrassRoot says...
well seems to keep it simple and safe works best. just keep the politicians and the unions out.
Posted 1 July 2014, 12:39 p.m. Suggest removal
John says...
There seems to be an unusual kind of peace and quiet on the streets. The summer is usually when we get another wave of crime and killings. But so far it has been unusually quiet. Just hope the commissioner and the police and the courts can get these people to trial before some hot shot lawyer or some human rights organization find some loophole to get these crime terrorists back on the streets.
Posted 1 July 2014, 2:36 p.m. Suggest removal
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