Police to intensify stop and search efforts
Police are expected to expand stop-and-search operations and take stronger action against heavily tinted vehicles as part of the Government’s response to firearm violence.
The measures were among several strategies considered during a comprehensive meeting of the National Security Council.
Although he declined to disclose operational details, Prime Minister Gaston Browne said he had publicly advocated more frequent stop-and-search exercises, potentially as often as twice weekly.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne
He also called for police to enforce the law against excessively dark vehicle tints.
“We must see who is inside those vehicles,” the Prime Minister said.
Browne added that the police would require additional resources, including more vehicles and drones, to strengthen surveillance and crime-fighting capabilities.
He said the National Security Council’s discussions examined the performance of multiple agencies and explored ways of improving intelligence gathering, interdiction and the prosecution of criminal offences.
The Prime Minister also raised concerns about the functionality of a quasi-law-enforcement agency believed to have an important role in intelligence-led operations against illegal drugs and firearms.
He said a functioning intelligence body could help police identify and intercept weapons after they are brought ashore.
They need to search the police homes first and then come and trouble youtman on the street