BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Thursday, 5th September 2024)-Commissioner of Police James Sutton has issued a warning to citizens, including parents, who assist or harbor criminals and illegal activities that they would be held responsible.

Speaking at a Ministry of National Security press conference held on Thursday 29th August 2024, he expressed such sentiments while talking about “the alarming increase in gun violence that has plagued our community” 

“What we have realized is that a number of citizens are assisting the known criminals by holding and securing these illegal items. What I can say to you who are assisting these criminals, we are coming for you!”

COP Sutton also used the platform to address parents directly, urging them to take greater responsibility in parenting.

“Take a more serious responsibility in parenting your children. You are responsible for your children. Know where your children are, know your children’s associates, and know what your children are bringing into your home. You will be held accountable for all legal activity in your premises.” 

With the new school term about to begin, the Commissioner expressed deep concern about the potential influence of criminal behavior on young minds. 

“As school is about to resume in September, we thought it necessary to reinstate all school liaison officers in the various schools,” Sutton said. “It is important to have a positive role model in the schools. Children are our future leaders.”

Further touching on concern over a surge in gun violence, COP Sutton commented: “This is not a matter for statistics or report. It is about the safety and well-being of our citizens, peace of our neighborhood, and the future of our children. Over the past few weeks, we have seen a troubling rise in gun violence. These acts of violence not only claim lives, but have had a serious effect on the sense of fear on our citizens. We feel your pain and we can see your tears. We will alleviate them. We hear you loud and clear and we crave your indulgence as we seek to bring peace and security to our citizens.

He added: “But we cannot do it by ourselves. We have to work together. This situation is unacceptable. No one should live in fear in his or her own community. Our primary responsibility as law enforcement is to ensure the safety and security of everyone. We, as a police force, want to ensure you, the public, that we are fully committed to address these concerns.”

The Commissioner also revealed the seven priority areas that the police force will focus on in their ongoing fight against crime namely: enhance crime prevention initiatives, community policing, road safety, human resource development, better use of technology and ongoing collaboration with other agencies and evidence-based policing. 

COP Sutton explained that these strategies would be critical in tackling the current wave of violence and preventing future crimes. 

On the Enhanced Crime Prevention Initiative, Sutton assured the public that the police force has increased both foot and mobile patrols in known crime hotspots to increase visibility and reduce criminal activity. 

Vehicle checkpoints and earth searches have already been conducted in an effort to recover illegal firearms, with some success. However, he acknowledged that many firearms are still at large, and reiterated that those harboring criminals or concealing illegal items would face serious consequences. 

COP Sutton continued by highlighting the importance of Community Policing, stating that collaboration with the public is key to restoring peace. “It is imperative that we know who are traversing the various neighborhoods,” Sutton said, urging residents to report any suspicious behavior or individuals. 

He emphasized that the police cannot tackle crime in isolation and called on the public to assist in identifying those responsible for violent acts. 

He also took the opportunity to welcome the government’s initiative to address crime and violence as a public health issue, noting that understanding and tackling the root causes of crime is critical for long-term solutions.

“I want to take at this time to welcome the support by the government with the initiative that it took to convene the consultation on crime and violence as a public health issue. If we are to address crime, we must be able to identify the core causes of crime,” he explained.

Front Page Photo: Commissioner of Police James Sutton speaking at a Ministry of National Security press conference held on Thursday 29th August 2024.