An anonymous crime reporting initiative which was launched in May is said to be having a great impact on crime fighting in Dominica.
Liaison Officer for Crime Stoppers Dominica, Superintendent Ainsworth Irish, told DNO the support that police have been receiving is tremendous.
“Certainly I must say we have been getting tremendous support from the general public and we can only hope that when the year comes to an end and I trust for the new year, we will see that level of cooperation increase, so that we can work together to ensure that we have a beautiful Dominica,” he said.
“Crime Stoppers Dominica” was incorporated under the laws of Dominica on September 12, 2012 and has been accepted by the police as a valid and effective investigative tool.
It allows callers to report crimes anonymously via the numbers, 1-800-TIPS (1-800-8477) or 1-800-HINT (1-800-4468). Monetary rewards are given out under the program if a crime perpetrator is caught.
“This year about 399 persons have called to the call center and that call goes to Canada and it goes to me with the information. From the 399 calls we have gotten at least 15 good tips that have really assisted us in our crime fighting position in Dominica,” he revealed.
He also urged the citizenry to continue to make more use of the service “because under the cloak of anonymity, there will be no reprisals.”
“Very often people used to say when I give the police information it is leaked out, with the crime stoppers, no name, no warrant,” Irish pointed out.
At least one person has made a claim for a reward after using Crime Stoppers, Irish said.
“So far one person had made a claim for a reward and then after they said ‘Okay we will just leave that as a contribution’. But really, persons have been giving the information and not really asking for a reward as such. That was valuable information of national interest and the person felt they should make a contribution,” he stated.
Meantime, Superintendent Irish also cautioned persons that they should ensure that their homes are secured and no valuables are left in their vehicles during the busy holiday season.
“As you know Dominica enjoys a very low crime rate and again as I like to say, one crime is one crime too many,” he said. “So we are calling on the citizenry to work in sync with the police in the community. Community policing is the new thrust. We are going forward and we are calling on the members of the public if you have valuable information, do not hesitate to call the crime stoppers.”
Mr Irish I called the Portsmouth Police station Friday night about some fighting going on in lagoon area I gave him the direction where it was taking place he ask, who are the people fighting I told him I do not know I am on my bed he answered stay on you bed and up to now nobody came .When you all talk about giving info it is making no sense nobody will come.
Yes I agree that is truly a big step in the right direction now let’s work on making the punishment extreme, good job.
I commend you and your team for the great work. It takes sacrifice and love for country to do the work you’re doing.Keep it up.
We are each other’s keepers. I like to say to a certain and great extent. We are not here solely for ourselves. We are here to help others and contribute to a happy and peaceful life.
Thanks to those who report crimes through Crime Stoppers. This is a useful tool which was implemented.
Thanks to the Police Force for doing their utmost to fight crimes.
I am looking forward to seeing Dominica free of such crimes, the likes of which we never experienced in those days which cause law-abiding nationals anguish.
In addition, I pray that the murder rate be decreased and murders will be extinct as it were in those days.
This would make for a happy, peaceful and safe Dominica. It is something to look forward to.
Let us also pray for this.
Should this occur, Dominica will be a role model for the other islands who will be envious and wish to emulate it and its Police Force. God bless Dominica and all nationals.
Good job Irish we still have that murder in Glanvillia to solve you are from possie so good job my brother
Mr. Irish! when crimes are committed, they are (most of the times), reported to the public, then after a long time you don’t hear about it again. Now u are saying, out off these 339 calls, 15 good tips were received that were able to assist you all in crime fighting. Then why cant u out line the crimes which were investigated from these 15 tips and the perpetrators brought to justice.
It is only fitting to compliment the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) on an initiative well deserving of regional and international recognition.
We all love Dominica and is very grateful for your exemplary and selfless service to the citizenry.
May God guide the CDPF in maintaining a high level of professionalism and visionary leadership in keeping the Nature Isle safe.
It is good to see that people are utilizing the Crime Stoppers Tip Line. I hope that they are putting signs all around the country with the number and that the people of Portsmouth will use the number. They always cry and complain about the police not doing anything to stop crime when they are sitting on info that could help the police. We have to grow out of that childish mentality that the police is against us. If you are not in crime and illegal activities, you should have no fear of the ones who are there to Protect and Serve. There are bad apples everywhere and the current Commissioner has clearly stated that he will get rid of all the corrupted cops. If you know one, call the hotline.
One Love Dominicans. Together we have to make Dominica safe for our children and their children’s children.
Good effort, we all should play our part in fighting crime and I fully support the efforts of those who risk their lives to fight crime.
Labour Party ASP Irish what do you think of unemployment and its impact on crime? My gift to you is my partisan political policemen is to read ‘Jean Val Jean’.
Unemployment should be no excuse for crime. There are many poor law-abiding citizens in our country. Do you notice how easy it is for these criminals to get bail no matter how high it is. Perhaps the families of these criminals should use the bail money ahead of the crime by providing a means for employment.
Thank to the Dominica police department, that is a step in the right direction,wish all the best.