‘Crime not out of control’ – Top Cop says media, critics sensationalise crime

Police Commissioner (ag) Nigel Hoppie is pushing back against the public perception that criminal activities have become more prevalent in the country.

“Crime is not out of control as is the prevailing perception in society,” the Police Commissioner said while addressing an awards ceremony for outstanding ranks of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on Thursday.

The Commissioner believes that the perception is fuelled in part because of the level of violence attached to some of the reported criminal activities.

But he did not stop there. He said the sensationalising of such incidents by the mainstream media and critics of the Police Force have also had a negative impact on how people view the police and their work.

“Although we faced many challenges with manpower and equipment, we managed to maintain an effective patrol strategy and investigative capability which has seen a positive reduction in crime,” Hoppie added.

As of the beginning of December, the police reported a 21 per cent reduction in crime when compared to the same period in 2020.

“This achievement is significant and worthy of note due to the fact that it was earlier highlighted that it is the highest level of decrease over the last 10 years,” the Commissioner said, giving credit to the investigative capabilities of the CID.

Meanwhile, the Crime Chief, Senior Superintendent Wendell Blanhum said the CID and its investigating ranks were key in helping to bring closure to several homicides, gun robberies and home invasions. He said this was reflected in the reduction of serious crimes.

Some of the Force’s most outstanding achievements in 2021 include the lowest crime rate of serious crimes in the last 10 years, the third-lowest murder rate in the last 10 years and the lowest robbery murders in the last 10 years.

“The lowest rate for break and enter and larceny in the last ten years and the highest cocaine seizures over a ten-year period which amounts to 536.3 kilograms… this is just a few,” Blanhum added.

He encouraged each rank of the CID to be proud of the collective achievements.