Ascension : ASCENSION DETACHMENT - COMMUNITY SAFETY PLAN
Submitted by The Islander (Police Ascension) 07.10.2010 (Article Archived on 21.10.2010)
As Police Officers we serve are Community and would like to update the public how we are endeavouring to keep Ascension virtually Crime free and a Safe place to be.
Contributed by Sergeant Marlene Benjamin
As Police Officers we serve are Community and would like to update the public how we are endeavouring to keep Ascension virtually Crime free and a Safe place to be.
We have a three year Community Safety Plan, which commenced 1st April 2010 – 31st March 2013.
In our Plan, we have set three Objectives:
- Maintain a low crime environment.
- Enforce Road Safety to reduce road traffic accident and other causes which can result in death or serious injuries
- To manage risk and respond effectively to emergencies.
We have three Statistical Performance Measurements, over the next three years we aim to reduce overall Crime, Road Traffic Accidents and Alcohol related Driving offences.
Progress in these areas so far, is as follows:-
For the period April to September, we have set a Statistical Performance Measurement of no more than 12 Road Traffic Accidents and 6 Alcohol Related Driving offences, during this period there were ten road traffic accidents, and we are please to say only one of which alcohol was a contributory factor.
Drink drive related offences we had set at 6. For this same period there have been four cases.
Crime was set at no more than 9 for the period April to September the actual crime recorded was 4, three of which were detected, a Burglary at Two Boats where a number of DVD’s were stolen is still undetected.
As part of our Road Safety Strategy, recommendations was made for appropriate maximum speed signage, some of our recommendations were given approval by HH Administrator and the Island Council. I am please that work has already commenced in priority areas.
We have also place in various locations a quick guide for driving and traffic laws on Ascension for first time visitors, if anyone is not sure of the legal requirements for driving on Ascension or licensing their vehicles etc please contact their liaison officer or our Office in Georgetown.
It is expected by the public and compulsory for all Police Services around the world to high light and reminds the public of Road Safety during the festive periods.
Leading up to Christmas and during the Christmas period we will be delivering the message through our campaign slogan ‘CHOICES’ Why ‘choices’ simply as it is the individual’s choice whether they drink excessively, or drive above the speed limit, no one forces them to make that choice, and if caught the choice they made can have life changing consequences.
Still on the subject of Road Safety, the Detachment has been proactive when dealing with speeding offences, we will continue to enforce the speed laws, please be reminded that the maximum national speed limit is 40 mph, the Detachment does have a policy to give cautions however this is not compulsory, do not drive in excess of the speed limit thinking that if caught you will have to be warned before a prosecution is made out. The best advice I can give you is, to avoid prosecution is not to speed. Speed “KILLS”. We do not want deaths on our roads as drivers we should at all time be conscientious and take our responsibilities seriously.
Our Community Liaison officers have been working in their areas, the noise issue that was a recent community problem in Georgetown has been resolved with partnership approach mediated by Police; as a result the intended noise legislation has been put on hold as it is no longer considered a priority.
As part of our Safety Strategy and in partnership with AIG facilities management we have removed a number of abandon vehicles left in residential areas. Abandoned vehicles are expensive to remove, they have a negative impact on the environment, and also look so unsightly, you may not think it, but it can result or lead to crime, and can quickly become a death trap for children playing around them. There is a risk of explosion (they can leak dangerous fluids, which can catch fire) or injury. For your safety and others call your liaison officer or report through normal contacts, we have identified offences of Littering in Public Places, and owners failing to change ownership, however at this time we have not reported any people as they have cooperated and consented to the removal in the interest of public safety.
The problem of litter highlighted in our recent article in the areas of Georgetown, we are please to report an improvement, and however there are still a few irresponsible people who have the potential of spoiling certain activities and privileges enjoyed by us all. Irresponsible acts are the Litter left at the Pier over the weekend, it is suspected that the cause is when there is a gathering after the closure of the clubs, We will monitor this area and if there is no improvement we will be making recommendations to the Harbour Authorities how best to resolve this issue, another example of an irresponsible act is the damage caused to the Georgetown football field whereby vehicle(s) are using the area as a rally track and doing what is commonly known as Doughnuts, a lot of time, hard work and expense was put into the maintenance of the field, if you know who is responsible for either of the above incidents please report the person to us, you can remain anonymous.
To summarise, the Detachments strategy appears to be working, we have had positive comments from the public, also negative comments from individuals such as ‘spoiling people’s fun’, ‘costing them their jobs’. At no time have we stopped any fun activities from been hosted, in fact we have supported many functions and given permission for charity events, as for costing people their jobs, at no time would we encourage or force people to drink and drive over the limit, again it is the choice of the person.
What we have done is use the 3 E’s of Road Safety: –
1. Education (driving with alcohol legal limit 35mgs/maximum speed limit 40 mph),
2 Enforcement – (Warnings and Prosecutions)
3. Engineering – Road signage, structures or other preventative measures)
Finally the Detachment wishes to inform the public that our Office will be charging an Administration fee for various information or assistance required. A listing of the fees will be made available at our office and the public informed in due course.
Until next time Keep Safe
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