So many reports are compiled by and for government and all we hear about is the "launch party".
Seldom, if ever, do we see the reports and we're all left to wonder if anything is ever implemented.
Well the same thing seems to have happened with a report by Marlon Johnson and the former Civic Group known as Safe Bahamas, entitled Citizens Safety Diagnosis, Bahamas Report, from 2004.
But after almost a decade with crime seemingly out of control for the past 6 to 8 years, particularly on New Providence, and the most brutish Christmas season one can recall, it might be time to think about a new approach to solving crime.
Thanks to Marlon Johnson, you can download a pdf of the entire report by clicking the following link… Citizen Safety Diagnostics Bahamas Report April 2004
Maybe, just maybe, if enough of us keep the pressure on our elected officials and Police, they will implement many of these ideas?
I know there are many Police Officers that work themselves into the ground to help keep us safe so hopefully they will read this report and bring some internal pressure to bear on the Force as well.
Thanks to Mr. Johnson and Safe Bahamas for all the effort to complete this study back in 2004. Will it be dusted off now by those in charge of law enforcement?
The executive summary of the report follows.
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CITIZEN SAFETY DIAGNOSIS, BAHAMAS REPORT, 2004
by Marlon Johnson
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Executive Summary
Background
Among other Caribbean countries, The Bahamas experiences a high level of national development and standard of living. Nonetheless, the country is not immune to crime and violence. Crime and insecurity impede development and contribute to fear. In order to develop a balanced picture of crime in the Bahamas, we examined patterns and trends in recorded crime and compiled information on existing crime prevention strategies.
Patterns and trends in crime
Patterns of recorded crime in the Bahamas present a complex picture. While the last 40 years has witnessed substantial increases in recorded crime overall, it is difficult to know the extent to which this reflects real increases in crime or improvements in police recording. Yet, despite high peaks in recorded crimes in the mid-1990s, overall rates of recorded crime have been declining over recent years. In fact, rates of overall crime for the period 1998-2002 were at the same level as those from the mid-1970s, down 22 percent from the peak years of 1993-1997.
This said, violent crime rates have shown more consistent increases over recent decades. For example, the murder rate has roughly doubled from an average of 10 homicides per 100,000 each year to 19 between the period 1973-1977 and the more recent period 1998-2002. Similarly, the recorded robbery rate has increased from 202 per 100,000 in the period 1973-77 to 375 in 1998-2002. However, even rates of violent crimes have shown recent reductions, being 32% lower overall in 2002 than in 1998.
While recorded crime rates have declined or somewhat stabilized in the last five years, this is not a reason for complacency. In line with many other countries, it seems likely there have been real long-term increases in crime over the last half century. And, while it is difficult to make international comparisons in the absence of standardized data, the homicide rate in the Bahamas is substantially higher than many industrialized countries, and is high even compared to Caribbean countries. Recent annual averages place the homicide rate in the Bahamas at about 18 per 100,000, compared with 41 in Jamaica, 11 in Trinidad and Tobago, 8 in Barbados, 2 in the UK and 6 in the US. This relatively high homicide rate is a concern in and of itself, and may also be an indication of relatively high levels of violence in Bahamas compared to other countries, though more research would be needed to establish this with confidence.
Contexts of crime
In order to better understand these trends this report places this information in context by identifying where, and by whom crime occurs. In terms of geography, crime in the Bahamas tends to be an urban phenomenon, with rates in New Providence and Grand Bahama – home to the capital city of Nassau and the second city of Freeport respectively – approximately three times that of the more rural communities of the Family Islands. And within the city of New Providence, the inner city neighborhoods account for the majority of violent crimes nationwide, with well over half of such crimes taking place within three police districts of the island.
Accordingly, it is the poor within the country who tend to be the primary victims of crime and violence. Women and children are also particularly vulnerable to crime and violence. Over half the murders for the period of 2001 and 2002 were domestic related. The number of known sexual offenses against women and minors continue to increase even where other numbers have moderated. Perpetrators tend more often to be young urban males.
There are notable factors that tend to influence crime: The large majority of reported crime takes place between Thursday and Saturday evenings; there is some indication that drugs and alcohol are a factor in the commission of crime. The period of 1988 to 2001 suggests a clear and positive correlation between crime and unemployment levels. The increasing rate of crime and violence over time also seems to in someway corresponded with the increase in the number of households headed by single parents.
Strategies to reduce crime
Across the world, there have many thousands of initiatives developed to address citizen safety issues similar to those in the Bahamas. A considerable number of studies have been carried out to determine which types of programs work to prevent or mitigate crime, and which simply do not have any measurable impact on crime either immediately or over time. The core themes shared by the ‘successful’ programs and strategies are:
- Integrated and cooperative public and civic management – programs which show positive effect often must develop multi-faceted strategies that must cut across agencies and across sectors to be implemented successfully;
- Reduction of Opportunities and the increase of Risk for would-be offenders – to impact crime in the short term, potential targets must be ‘hardened’ to reduce opportunities for offenses, while active and passive surveillance must be increased to heighten the risk that perpetrators will be apprehended
- Sustained and targeted Intervention strategies – for programs targeted at modifying destructive behavior patterns in individuals, there is a need for specificity in what behavior patterns are being addressed, as well as for constancy in the intervention programs.
The public authorities and broader Bahamian community have responded with great effort to combat crime, especially over the last decade. The governments commissioned studies on Youth, Crime and Police Reform, to obtain recommendations to address the relevant issues. The findings of the Youth and Crime did not, however, make full use of available statistical evidence to shape its findings. There is also little evidence that these reports, in developing their recommendations, made significant reference to international best practices. Yet, even more promising recommendations of these reports have yet to be implemented. The recommendations of the Police Reform study have been executed, with some indications of preliminary improvements to Police administration and service delivery.
The Bahamian community through relevant civil society organizations (CSOs) – and at times in conjunction with public sector agencies – has mobilized considerable resources to address elements of the crime situation. Most have focused on youth development, but organizations also have been formed or expanded to address issues such as domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and neighborhood development and empowerment. To date, however, these efforts have met with limited success in creating a sustained downturn in crime.
Key recommendations
To address crime and violence in The Bahamas, policy makers should give consideration to a single national plan of action that would build upon promising elements of current initiatives. It would however, in developing the plan, identify a limited number of coordinating entities to oversee distinct components of the plan. It would also demand comprehensive and ongoing evidence-led evaluation of programs and strategies to permit mid-stream adjustments where necessary.
The recommended strategy and program areas outlined below – presented for inclusion in the national plan – are based principally upon ‘what works’ in other jurisdictions, tailored to the needs and peculiarities of the Bahamian setting. They are organized according to what is expected to show demonstrable impact in the near term (within 12 months), the medium term (within 36 months) and the long term (greater than 36 months). To be effective in taking the following strategies forward, it will be critical to embrace comprehensive evaluation of their programs to determine actual, as opposed to perceived impact.
Short term
- Expand Police Hot-spot patrolling with emphasis on inner city areas of New Providence during ‘problematic’ week-end period
- Promote a ‘Target Hardening’ Campaign with public subsidy (i.e. custom duty reduction) for security related purchases by individuals and businesses
- Introduce an ‘Anti Domestic Violence Initiative’ that would expand police powers to arrest and charge suspects without victim consent, that would provide for extended intervention and support for victims, and that would incorporate extensive public education and sensitization
- Introduce Repeat Offender Unit in the Police Force designed to track and quickly apprehend ‘high-risk’ re-offenders
Medium term
- Focus on early identification of and intervention with critical ‘at-risk’ teenagers incorporating comprehensive and sustained attention from the educational and social services systems.
- Enforce existing Alcohol Laws
- Enhance support for Drug and Alcohol treatment programs
- Expand Shelters for victims of Domestic Violence
- Accelerate Police Reform and Modernization with focus on more training for Police Officers, better forensic facilities and upgrade of IT utilization
- Improve tracking and sharing of case information between related public entities on matters related to ‘at-risk’ youth and domestic and sexual violence cases
Long term
- Expand After-school and Week-end program for ‘at-risk’ young persons
- Introduce Parental training and support mechanisms, with incentives for those most ‘in need’ to attend
- Continue promotion of responsible reproductive health
- Strengthen and reshape Police Community Consultative Committees
Sorry,too far gone & the only cure is death to the gangs.How can anyone say that hanging does not deter crime when we don’t hang to find out ? Also it does not matter because the punishment should fit the crime.This country is far too corrupt for any end to be in sight & until someone proves otherwise I do not think there will be any change except to get even worse.Nobody in any government seems to have the balls to take a stand so please tell me how it can change with a bunch of wimps in parliament ?
What the police need to do is form a hit squad and just knock off the bastards that they know are bad. That will be the only way because the courts do not work at all.
Sorry to disappoint you, Rick, but I, for one, am happy that this rather benign plan was not implemented because the majority of the recommendations (short, medium and long-term) are targeted not at the multiple ’causes’ of this complicated social issue but at curing ‘symptoms’.
Instead, plans must go to the ‘root causes’ (which are many) of this issue if they stand any chance of success. In order to do that, we “need a clearer definition of the problem (What, Who); a thorough and detailed analysis of the dimensions of the problem (Where, Why and When); and innovative solutions directed at underlying causes, supplemented with on-going evaluation to ensure solutions that work are developed and those that don’t, are shelved! Crime is a drag on society, like none other, and the mounting social and economic costs will not only destroy the nation’s morale, it will continue to sully the reputation our reputation as a desirable tourist destination, the most painful outcome.”
Fair enough S3S.
I’m no criminologist, but these seem more plausible for many of the underlying issues than what we’re doing and the PM’s announcement yesterday.
At this point we need ideas, but more importantly we need the political will to deal with corruption at all levels.
Here are some other ideas presented in 2006. http://www.nassauinstitute.org/articles/article603.php
One thing for sure, we just can’t leave this festering sore any longer.
The PM is as misguided as ever in his latest pronouncement:
http://www.tribune242.com/news/2013/dec/31/pm-reveals-plan-tackle-crime/
It is disappointing for a number of reasons but the main reason is the plan deals with the ‘outcomes’ of crimes: A new police unit focused on gangs (BTW, why was this not done a long time ago?); 12-hour shift for Police Officers (didn’t they just have a labour issue over this?); Increase in the number of Criminal Courts (what good is this when we have a proliferation of criminal lawyers, whose only aspiration is to line their pockets?); and restrictions on the ability of Judges to grant bails (is this legal?).
This “massive expansion of the judicial infrastructure” is sadly yet again nothing more than a band-aid to deal with the ‘outcomes’ of crimes; at that point, it is far too late for many victims … Too little, too late ….
Over the last fifty years or so Moral Decline and Degeneration has been the driving force of increased criminal activities not only in the Bahamas but throughout the rest of the world.. As poverty increases from failing government policies, increased criminal activity is the resulting effect.. The establishment of VAT later in the year will result in more struggling Bahamians falling into the ranks of poverty and increasing criminal activity.. Could it be that bad government polices such as VAT, encourage individual failure and moral decline?? Empty solutions such as Urban Renewal do nothing to reverse the moral decline that has polarized our nation..
Could it be that the Bahamian government has become a driving force of immorality that lies to the public and acts only in its political or self-interest?? Government is not the solution to controlling crime, government is a catalyst for crime.. Government morality and integrity is the real problem that must be addressed.. We are a Powder Keg and government is playing with fire..
Like Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. and others, I think we should disobey immoral laws starting with VAT. You?
Civil disobedience is positive tool for bringing about necessary change.. Nonviolent protest is effective as long as there is no violence.. The real problem is that the Bahamian public-at-large is somewhat spineless and the business community has no real backbone.. The government knows this and is betting on these factors in their ongoing support of VAT..
Would the business community support a defined strategy of proposed business shutdowns?? Again not as long as there is no unity opposed to VAT.. Once the business community fully understands the risks and tragic consequences of VAT then the option of business shutdowns become a strategic reality.. As almost all businesses in the country will voluntarily close down, the public must be well informed by least a week in advance.. Public outcry becomes an important element warning government that VAT is the cause and commercial shutdown is the resulting effect.. Business shutdowns could be scheduled for one day, two days and three days over successive weeks and so forth until government recognizes the severe crisis that VAT will cause to the Bahamian economy….
Better now than later, as the coming implementation of VAT will have a similar impact on the private sector, only the pain to both consumers and businessmen will be far more severe and painful..
Finally government must be warned of any such pending actions by direct communication and in the popular media.. A business shutdown is a final act of desperation too stop the economic tragedy of VAT and the irreparable damage that VAT will do to the private sector and the Bahamian people.. The streets are no place to change bad government policy, but with no other options the people must stand firm to protect their own financial survival and interest.. Government must act in a responsible fashion and undertake policies that bring the size and scale of government down to an efficient level.. Budgets must be balanced within an acceptable and workable time frame.. Government spending must be carefully scrutinized to avoid unnecessary waste and outright corruption.. By creating an environment financial prudence on the part of the public sector, the private sector economy will begin to grow again and confidence will expand.. Employment will begin to increase as the private sector will invest increasing cash flow to expand business investment in response to growing consumer confidence and demand.. Under such a business climate, government revenues grow and our tragic deficit can begin to be paid reduced with surplus revenues.. We can then watch with glee as the country’s credit rating improves..
In the end it will be up to government to make the right decisions in the country’s National Interest, but sometimes the people must give government a little push or even a shove to do the correct and proper thing.. VAT by any measure is the wrong thing and a policy that will be highly destructive to a fragile economy such as the Bahamas.. We must pray that the Prime Minister and his government will finally come to their senses and do the right thing as the economic risks from a financial collapse are far to great by accepting a failed policy such as VAT.. The noise in the streets in getting louder as fear overcomes calm and reason.. VAT is a terrible idea and will only result in increased poverty and expanding criminal activity.. Government MUST do the right thing for the benefits of ALL Bahamians during these most trying and challenging times..
Tradewinds is right,either shut down in opposition to the VAT or get shutdown by the VAT & that is coming in the not so distant future unfortunately.I also strongly believe that the government does not have our national interest at heart but they do however have their own interests at heart.With all the problems we have facing us as a country we seem to have a PM that is in some sort of trance to say the least.As for the crime problem I think they all benefit from it in some way or they would have cracked down a long time ago.I have to question how they were brought up because surely it was better that what their own actions show.Like the old saying goes,action speaks louder than words & their actions are speaking very loudly at this time.
Does the government act in the National Interest, I think not.. Does it ever refer to the National Interest, again I think not.. Has government ever defined what is the National Interest, you be the judge..
Sorry Tradewinds,I don’t think so.They can’t even define whats in the VAT !
Never feel sorry especially when you are correct.. Feel sorry for the ineptness of government that does not know the difference between what is prudent and what is wrong..
Government cannot even comprehend the frightening damage VAT will do to our fragile economy.. So in a state of inept blindness they charge down the road towards financial failure.. Where is the outcry against these architects of financial deceit?? These misguided souls can’t even put together a one-piece jigsaw puzzle, never mind a complex, highly bureaucratic VAT system of public finance..
Even by some divine miracle, if VAT were to somewhat work, it would be a safe bet that government would find some way to misappropriate the funding and mess things up as usual.. Got to feel sorry for the bungling public sector and the political mess we find ourselves in..We are walking on the razor’s edge and we are about to get severely cut..
That’s why we need a much smaller government Tradewinds.These people that claim to be so smart are some of the biggest jack asses in the country.They are hurting the country in a very big way & either can’t or refuse to see it.Just because you can get elected does not mean you know what your doing.To me they are doing things that are on the verge of being criminal.