Hot spots for crimes against tourists are getting increased attention from the Royal Barbados Police Force, says Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite.
Speaking today during the pre-lunch session of the House of Assembly, Brathwaite said while Barbados was generally a safe place for locals and visitors, isolated incidents of crime could take on significant proportions because of the pervasive nature of the Internet and social media.
In this connection, Brathwaite said special attention would be placed on areas particularly on the South Coast including St Lawrence Gap where stepped up patrols were taking place.
In addition, he said joint patrols involving the Police Force, supported by the Barbados Defence Force, were already occurring in an effort to reduce harassment in areas frequented by visitors to the island.
Leading debate on the Police Complaints Authority Validation Bill, the Attorney General reported that the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) was enjoying more success recruiting young males to its ranks.
He disclosed that 32 Barbadians were currently enrolled at the Regional Police Training School and 30 of them were males.
Conceding that the Force had been challenged to recruit young men who met the RBPF’s stringent requirements, Brathwaite said he believed the Constabulary had “turned the corner” on the question of recruiting men.
While noting there was no discrimination against women, the Attorney General said there was a need to have more men among the police’s ranks.
He, however, said the Police Force might have to put a hold on training for new recruiting until 2014 because of significant repairs that had to be carried out at the Paragon, Christ Church base of the regional training school.
And while the RBPF had just over 1200 officers, Brathwaite said only about 600 might be available at one time to undertake policing because of things such as sick leave, training, study leave and vacation. (GE)
