Commissioner's Policy Statement for 2003

The Royal Bahamas Police Force is entrusted with the awesome responsibility of maintaining law and order throughout the Bahama Islands. In order to effectively and efficiently perform its duties, it is necessary for the Force to formulate attainable goals and objectives. 

To this end, I, Paul H. Farquharson, QPM, B.A., Commissioner of Police, hereby presents the Commissioner’s Policing Plan, which identifies the goals and objectives for the year 2003. It is the duty of every police officer, police civilian and police reserve to fully acquaint themselves with this document and endeavour to incorporate these mandates in the performance of duties.

GOAL ONE ENHANCED TRAINING

To increase Efficiency and Effectiveness In all Police Operation

The basic tenet of any organization is to maximize productivity through the efficient and effective deployment of resources. Efficiency is performing tasks right and operating in a way that resources are not wasted, which leads to excellent organizational performance. Effectiveness, on the other hand, is concerned with completing activities and achieving goals which procures quality service to the public.  

Productivity, the end result of efficiency and effectiveness, can be improved mainly through continuous training and retraining of all members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force. 

Objectives 

(a)          The period of training to incorporate:

                  (1) enhanced formal training; and

                  (2) modern practical components of policing to be known as the ‘probationary period’.    

(b)         Commission a new library at the Police College.

(c)          Offer and incorporate fundamentals in areas of criminal law, constitutional law and tort in training and development courses.

(d)         Conduct mock criminal trials to enhance the ability to give proper evidence.

(e)          Offer ‘Refresher’ courses concerning various areas of discipline.

(f)           Sponsor police officers (and where possible reserves and civilians) in courses abroad which are designed to augment efficiency and effectiveness of service.

(g)          Continue negotiations with The College Of The Bahamas to obtain accreditation of courses offered at the Police College.

(h)         Introduce training courses for officers stationed in the Family Islands.

(i)           Offer management and supervisory training for police officers.

(j)            To expand certification of firearms Training

PUBLIC TRANQUILITY – GOAL TWO

“To reduce the number of offences affecting public tranquility.”

Maintaining the peace is a primary function of policing. The definition of tranquility naturally varies throughout the Force area. What the public will accept is one area will not be tolerated in another. Superintendents have indicated that it is their intention to impact certain occurrences highlighted by Consultative Committees as being of particular concern. Groups of youngsters congregating and engaging in rowdy behavior caused anxiety and distress, particularly when it involves underage drinking. An emergent trend in the area of criminal damage is the practice of graffiti tagging, which does much to erode the fabric of an area and causes levels of fear to increase.

Here, it is our duty to actively tackle such problems, and one way is to increase the presence of uniformed officers. We must also encourage the public to act positively when they witness offence in order to protect their property and preserve tranquility in their neighborhoods.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS – GOAL THREE

“To improve relations between police and the community, and between different sectors of the community.”

We are only too aware of the vital importance of good relations with and within community we serve. Such relationships need to be natured constantly in order to establish an understanding of each other’s problems, leading to a desire to work side by side in attempting to achieve common aims. The issue is broadly one of partnership, with each side seeing to provide the best support they are able to give. Strategies in this area should include open consultation wherever possible, giving the best quality of service, and presenting the image of a caring and unprejudiced Police Service, working for the community as a whole. The Police are a powerful voice in the community, and we should use this to our advantage, by seeking opportunities to act as facilitators to bring together different (and often opposing) sectors of the community in order to foster good relationships and maintain a peaceful and harmonious state.

PUBLIC SAFETY – GOAL FOUR

“To improve aspects of safety in public places, particularly on the roads.”

In many ways this is the most important goal, albeit one for which the public accepts a large share of responsibility. Protection of the public from danger is a primary duty of every officer and we must continue to improve upon the safety of road systems. This should come through the enforcement of traffic laws (when necessary), visible uniform presence as a deterrent to inconsiderate motoring practice, the analysis of date relating to accident locations and the monitoring/consideration/implementation of ways to reduce traffic congestion.