Friday, February 18, 2022
By KHRISNA RUSSELL
Tribune Chief Reporter
krussell@tribunemedia.net
THERE was an 18 percent increase in crimes against the person in 2021 compared to 2020, Royal Bahamas Police Force Commissioner Paul Rolle said yesterday.
Tied to this increase were the 119 murders that occurred in 2021 over the 73 in 2020. This represented a 63 percent increase in murders. A further breakdown of murders by district revealed that 104 of them occurred in New Providence, 12 in Grand Bahama, and three in the Family Islands.
However, police statistics show that the overall rate of crime remained unchanged in 2021 compared to the previous year.
People between the ages of 18 and 35 represented 64 percent of all murder victims. Retaliation and conflict were the most common motives representing 45 percent collectively, the commissioner also said, adding that fatal gunshot wounds were the leading cause of death for homicides accounting for 104 incidents.
The police were able to solve 56 percent of all homicides and the majority of them occurred between 4pm and 12am.
Attempted murder and manslaughter also saw increases of 34 percent and 50 percent respectively.
Asked by The Tribune yesterday whether there have been any challenges for the police force in efforts to stem the tide of violence, the Commissioner said: “Well two categories of crime I think that stands out would be those quality-of-life crimes where we have crimes against the person, which includes armed robbery and homicides.
“The easy availability of guns and in the hands of criminals of persons who have criminal intent has been a concern and I want to say also that we’re working closely with our partners in the United States in an effort to stem the flow of these illegal firearms into The Bahamas and hopefully that will have an impact on the level of these gun crimes that are being perpetrated in our communities.”
Regarding sexual offences, there was a seven percent increase with 48 matters reported in 2021 and 45 the year before. There was a nominal increase in the category of attempted rapes, with six last year and five in 2020, representing a 20 increase.
Unlawful sexual intercourse declined by 23 percent with 125 in 2021 compared to the 163 that were reported in 2020.
Finally, there were increases in armed robbery, robbery and attempted robbery of 33 percent, four percent and 36 percent respectively.
In all, there were 870 crimes against the person reported in 2021 compared to 736 incidents of this nature in 2020, an increase of 18 percent.
“A preliminary review of crime indicates that the deliverables targeted were achieved, as evidenced by the overall rate of crime remaining unchanged by the end of 2021 with 4,081 cases, compared to 4,064 in 2020,” Commissioner Rolle said. “We achieved our objective in this regard as the overall rate or percentage of serious crime did not increase. Albeit, there is room for improvement as various categories of quality-of-life offences did increase.
“In our quest to keep the Bahamian public safe, we heightened police visibility throughout the Commonwealth. As a crime preventative measure, we ran daily police operations targeting hotspots and prolific offenders. As a crime deterrent strategy, we conducted road checks and engaged in aggressive stop and search tactics to remove illegal firearms and dangerous drugs from the streets of The Bahamas.
“We executed numerous search warrants and detained persons on outstanding warrants and brought them before the courts. Notably, we were able to seize 277 illegal firearms and 3,430 rounds of ammunition in 2021. As a result, we arrested and charged 145 suspects for possession of illegal firearms.
“We continue to work with our law enforcement partners around the world to stem the transshipment of illegal firearms to the Bahamas. On February 7 of this year, we partnered with our colleagues in the United States and seized seven pistols, one AR-15 assault rifle and 85 rounds of ammunition that was shipped to The Bahamas,” Commissioner Rolle said.
Comments
tribanon says...
Why on earth is Paul Rolle still RBPF Commissioner?
Posted 18 February 2022, 9:08 a.m. Suggest removal
DDK says...
At least he is not white-washing the statistics....
Posted 18 February 2022, 12:18 p.m. Suggest removal
John says...
The problems with crime and policing started back in the 1980’s with Americas fake war on drugs , which was actually a war on Black people around the world. Black men especially. The intent was to portray young, Black men as problematic, violent, criminal minded and lazy and not employable. They (the police and by the extension the system) would shaclkle young men, hands and feet and parade then through bank lane and before the courts for small amounts of marijuana. Sometimes less than a joint. And sometimes the young men would just happen to be in the area and were ‘grabbed, slapped around and made to come along by the biggest gang in the country. Paul Rolle’s gang. Who back then we’re under direct instructions from those who declared the fake ‘war on drugs.’ The highlight was DANGEROUS DRUGS and even those that were innocent had to spend years trying to clear their name and get a sense of dignity back. Some gave up, pleaded guilty and went to jail. And they came out with a new character and a new personality. They were angry and with a criminal record hanging over their heads, nothing was off the table anymore when it came to survival. Then came the confrontational policing and the ‘criminals’ decided to arm themselves and so the police, too had to get bigger and more powerful weapons. And unfortunately it appears that more people are dying in the crossfire, both from police and the real crime element. And tThe Bahamad is not alone in this war. It is prevalent where the effects of the fake ‘war on drugs was felt. And yes Paul Rolle is in a difficult and precarious situation. He had a public that wants a full outright attack on crime and criminals and he sees the need to de-escalate the battle that is raging between the police and a certain sector of society. The long term benefits of ending the war are obvious, but the public wants to see immediate results. They want crime under control and a sense of safety and security. And the want it now. Paul Rolle doesn’t have time on his hands as the commissioner of police chair has a cruel way of dumping its occupants. Without notice even and for reasons unjustified. But the battle is not Paul Rolle’s you know. And if everyone does not get involved and
Posted 18 February 2022, 5:11 p.m. Suggest removal
One says...
Our destiny is in our hands. Everything that has happened or is happening is because of the things we did, didn't do and allowed to happen. Most people don't go past free government schooling. What options do you have with this education?
Work a miserable job for $5/hour with no opportunities for meaningful progression.
Or work as a servant to tourists, cleaning rooms, washing dishes and entertaining them. You think they're laughing with you when they're actually laughing at you.
A lack of education and fulling opportunities is the biggest issue. If we had fulfilling lives then people would act responsibly to preserve that life. But when you're living a destitute, depressed and hopeless life then why not risk it? You feel alive taking those risks and if you get killed then your suffering is over.
We need to own this if we want to change it.
Posted 18 February 2022, 9:51 p.m. Suggest removal
LastManStanding says...
What is going to be done about it? As with the past several decades, nothing worthwhile.
Rolle is looking in the wrong place if he trying to find guns coming from the US. He should start looking towards the undefended southern border we share with a certain lawless "nation" that happens to be a major transshipment point for drugs stopping in this country on their way to America or Canada.
Posted 18 February 2022, 5:11 p.m. Suggest removal
TalRussell says...
How to even begin go about fixing Murders up 60 Percent as long as policing management and activities are House of Assembly mandated to fully act as de **exclusive agents** of the judicial system...Whose 365 days + overtime's job is **80+ Percent to apprehend** a steady flow of alleged criminals **to feed the hunger of the judicial system?**
It's clear, Chief Justice Brian Moree is 80+Percent of Commish's bossman's and the more laws politicians **pass the more the police time is spent out hustling to apprehend** more business for the CJ, Magistrates and Justices...And, de Lawyers, ― Yes?
Posted 18 February 2022, 8:45 p.m. Suggest removal
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