As Barbados recorded its 30th murder for the year, Commissioner of Police Richard Boyce on Wednesday issued a powerful call for national unity to combat escalating firearm-related crimes, particularly among young people. But the appeal comes amid a pressing challenge: deep-rooted public distrust in the police that Professor Dwayne Devonish warns could hinder efforts to improve safety.
Addressing the 149th Passing Out Parade of The Barbados Police Service at the Regional Police Training Centre at Seawell, Commissioner Boyce acknowledged the growing threat of firearm-related crimes, especially among the youth, and underscored the need for a united front against crime.
“There’s evidence of a broad regional consensus that crime levels, as they relate to firearm-related offences, are on an upward trajectory,” he cautioned. “Recent data have indicated an increase in the number of firearm-related incidents. Even more concerning is the declining age of those individuals who are getting involved in serious criminal activity.”
The commissioner described the nature of crime today as complex and evolving, warning that without proactive, multi-pronged solutions, the situation will worsen.
He said: “The complexities of modern crime demand a more broad-based approach if tangible successes are to be realised. We in Barbados have not been isolated from the judgemental effects consequent upon the pervasive presence of these weapons in the hands of misguided youth—young men especially—who are hot-tempered in their actions to discharge these weapons without any consideration for innocent bystanders or the property of others.”
He emphasised that while the police are making significant strides in detection and prosecution, the fight cannot be won without public support. “Today, I renew that clarion call to all members of the public to work alongside us in the pursuit of making our communities safer,” he said.
The call for unity came against the backdrop of concerns about a deepening rift between the police and the public, with citizens reluctant to report crimes or cooperate with investigations due to longstanding mistrust.
Professor Devonish, the featured speaker at the ceremony, tackled the issue of trust head-on, drawing on his research into police-community relations.
“I remember doing a survey for The Barbados Police Service at the time when it was called the Barbados Police Force. And the survey revealed some unpleasant findings in terms of public perception,” he recalled. “One survey I’ve done recently was looking at the relationships between the police and the community.”
The UWI academic added: “Why is it that people don’t report crime? One of the reasons—and this is from research—is a lack of trust.”
He urged police officers to reflect on their role and actively work to rebuild confidence.
“Instead of asking the question, ‘why is it that people cannot trust? Why is it that people are not trusting us?’ Ask the question differently: ‘How can I be more trustworthy?’”
The management and organisational behaviour expert said trust must become a guiding principle in the service: “It is then our responsibility in every profession, especially the police, to find ways in which we can rebuild and sustain trust in our various partnerships and relationships, both within the service and outside.”
Highlighting the long-term consequences of broken trust, the researcher warned, “Do not give up your good name for quick money, because once people stop trusting you, it is hard to get it back.”
The passing out parade also celebrated the achievements of 46 new recruits, now entering the ranks of the police service.
Constable Reian Burke emerged as the standout graduate, taking the top awards, including Most Outstanding Student, Student with the Highest Aggregate, Commandant’s Trophy, Baton of Honour, and Best Recruit.
Burke said she never envisioned herself in uniform, but the profession “grew on her” after speaking with her parents and being inspired by her sister, who is a detective.
“I learnt a lot of life skills and I’m now able to view the world from a different perspective,” she added, encouraging other young people to consider a career in policing. “I didn’t initially see myself as a police officer, but the training experience made me a better person.”
sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb
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