On Tuesday, 17th October 2023, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), in partnership with the Regional Security System (RSS) and the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), commenced a series of In-Country Crime Scene Management Training in Argyle, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

With increased gun related crimes, there is an inherent need for enhanced training for our Law Enforcement Agencies to improve the management of crime scenes. Hence, in accordance with the multidimensional approach to combat gun crimes, it is imperative that we not only employ the use of initiatives such as the CARICOM Gun Crime Intelligence Unit (CGIU), but also ensure that we train and upskill our officers as part of CARICOM’s regional crime and security strategy.

These In-Country Crime Scene Management Trainings aim to enhance tuition for our Law Enforcement Agencies to improve the management of crime scenes in Member States. Sessions are targeted towards serving operational police officers, and first responders who are likely to deal with crime scenes in their line of duty.

Present at the opening ceremony were the Keynote speaker Mr. Grenville Williams, Attorney General of St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Mr. Enville Williams, Commissioner of Police (Ag) RSVGPF; Mr. Trevor Bailey, Assistant Commissioner of Police i/c Crime RSVGPF; Dr. Andre Clarke, Chief of Operations – Intelligence, CARICOM IMPACS; Mr. Chesley Ollivierre, Chief Analyst – Intelligence, CARICOM IMPACS; Major Kerry Waterman, Director of Policing and Risk Management, RSS; and other specially invited guests.

Participants were reminded that crime scene actions and omissions have dire consequences on local and regional Law Enforcement’s ability to safeguard the integrity of forensics and exhibits. Consequentially, if these investigations get to the prosecutorial stage, it may weaken or improve the State’s ability to produce credible evidence and increase or decrease opportunities for the employment of strategic loopholes.

The participating officers were encouraged to embrace the opportunity to learn as much as possible, put into practice the new skills they will learn and impart their knowledge and training to their colleagues. Moreover, they were implored to see themselves as the chosen ones, representing the RSVGPF from among its approximately 1,000 members.

Furthermore, trainees were commended for their service to the RSVGPF and the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The principles of Law and Order, Peace and Security, Respect for Society - an Orderly Society, Respect for the Rule of Law, Access to Timely Training and Learning Opportunities were echoed as critical to Manage, Mitigate and Reduce crime in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

This training marks the occurrence of yet another step in the right direction to build capacity, camaraderie and resolve amongst the Law Enforcement Community nationally and regionally; to work together to solidify the security of the evidential chain and concurrent prosecution of offenders. CARICOM IMPACS and its Executive Director, Lt. Col. Michael Jones, stand shoulder to shoulder with St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Member States in the fight against crime and criminal networks.