Ascension : Police Activity Report
Submitted by The Islander (Police Ascension) 10.01.2008 (Article Archived on 24.01.2008)

As you are aware that during the festive season the police conducted various drink drive campaigns in the clubs around the Island in order to stamp out Road Traffic accidents involving persons drinking and driving and other traffic offences.

As you are aware that during the festive season the police conducted various drink drive campaigns in the clubs around the Island in order to stamp out Road Traffic accidents involving persons drinking and driving and other traffic offences.  We also took the opportunity of going into the workplaces of various organizations and delivered a power point presentation and demonstrations on the use of the Alcolmeters, including our new Intoxilyzer equipment, which will come into force some time in the New Year.  We would like to thank those who participated in the campaign for their co operation and enthusiasm.  This campaign has paid off, as I am pleased to say that no one was caught and found to have been drinking whilst driving. During the festive season, the police carried out vehicle checks on various roads around the island, by stopping drivers who we identified to be using a motor vehicle on a road during the hours of darkness with defective lights. From the Officers observations, none of these drivers suspected to be over the prescribed limit. During this period, one road traffic accident was dealt with, and the driver found to be free from alcohol. It plainly shows that when driving you can exercise control over your drinking habits if need be. We believe that this can be achieved, not only when a campaign is conducted, but also at all times. Safety on our roads can only be maintained if drivers are at all times conscious of their responsibilities. We will continue these campaigns and show high visible presence. Your continued support and cooperation will be most welcome.

Another point of interest and in particular that we have seen a reduction in the number of Road Traffic Accidents.  Our target figure for this financial year is to reduce Road Traffic Accidents by no more than 34 of which 15 have been recorded.  The reduction in accidents are attributed by a number of factors such as, we continued to show high visible presence throughout the roads on the Island, to deter speeding motorist, submission of articles in the Islander to educate the public and drink and drive campaigns.

The Police received and dealt with six reports throughout the festive season, `which includes one Criminal report, two road Traffic Offences, two request police assistance and one report of loud music.

On Friday 28th December, the Police received a report of a Sexual assault, whereby an adult male sexually assaulted a girl under the age of 13 years.  The police immediately responded to this report and as a result of the information received and during the investigations a male person was arrested and was detained in police custody.  He was subsequently charged and bailed to appear before the Magistrates Court on Thursday 03^rd January and was then adjourned until the 31^st January.  Two Road Traffic Offences were dealt with by the police, whereby the drivers were given verbal warnings for having defective lights on their vehicles during the hours of darkness.  On Sunday, the police received a report of loud music in Georgetown and the appropriate action was taken.   

I take this opportunity once again in thanking you for your co-operation in 2007 and look forward to your continue support   

Clarence Roberts

Police Sergeant