A Police officer on a quad bike who was seen patrolling the area of Vigie beach and Choc earlier today, has attracted rave reviews.
“I was pleasantly surprised,” one observer wrote the Times, adding that it was a refreshing sight to locals and visitors alike to see the Police beach patrol.
“Kudos to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, and I hope that this is not just a Christmas initiative but will continue into the New Year and beyond,” the individual, who attached an accompanying photo, told the Times.
Contacted for a comment, Acting Police Commissioner, Errol Alexander told the Times that the presence of the quad bike patrol is part of the new 2015-2016 crime fighting strategy of the RSLPF.
He noted that the Island’s beaches are frequented by locals and visitors alike, especially cruise ship tourists.
Alexander disclosed that the patrols, including patrols on bicycles will continue.
The bicycle patrol, currently limited to two officers, is part of a three month pilot project that will be assessed and most likely extended upon its completion.
Currently, there are two quad bikes operating in the North of the Island and two in the South.
According to the Acting Police Chief, the RSLPF is hoping that some 42 new recruits will enhance the organization’s crime fighting capability when their training ends in January.
As a result of budgetary constraints, the RSLPF exercised the option to recruit from within, with forty-two Special Police Constables (SPCs) selected to undergo training to become Police Constables.
[“source-stluciatimes”]
