Ascension : POLICE REPORT
Submitted by The Islander (Police Ascension) 19.03.2009 (Article Archived on 02.04.2009)
SPEEDING NEEDLES - Complaints have been received about speeding vehicles coming down from the Needles and speeding on the stretch of road from the speed humps to the Saints Club junction in Georgetown. This according to local residents is occurring at lunchtimes and late at night.
Please be warned we are watching !
LITTER
I read with interest Alison Birkett’s letter in the 5th March 2009 issue of the Islander concerning litter and graffiti in the play area at Two Boats.
Depositing litter is an offence and graffiti is causing criminal damage. We the Police are interested in preventing and detecting these offences, these sort offences affect the quality of life of local residents, and this also concerns the Police. We Police for the Community by the Community.
May I offer some advise if you witness litter being deposited in a public area, or from a public area into a private area, it is an offence. If a motor vehicle is involved as in the case described by Alison Birkett and you feel you do not wish to speak to the people concerned and risk a confrontation, or it is not possible to speak to the person(s) concerned. Make a note of the registration number of the vehicle, and pass it on to the Police, you can call on 6412 or report it to any Police Officer, we will then follow up the information.
The Police are always interested in matters which affect the quality of life of residents of the Island.
LOUD MUSIC
Talking of the quality of life in the Community. During the early hours of the morning especially at the weekend people congregate on the Pierhead in Georgetown, some of them play loud music from their cars. Police have had occasion to speak to people about the loud music recently.
We do receive complaints from local residents about the loud music. Residents have a right to quiet at that time of the morning. If people want to play loud music at that time of the morning, there are plenty of places on the island where they can without disturbing anyone.
To be fair most of the people who frequent the Pierhead with the exception of one or two, are well behaved and respect the feelings of the residents.
SEAT BELTS
Seat belt law is coming ! Get in the habit now, once you do it becomes second nature. I have done it for so long in the UK that I do it automatically. You know it makes sense.
My Police Traffic Patrol colleagues in the UK tell me that most deaths in collisions these days happen to the rear seat passengers, who are the ones not wearing their seat belts.
Why was seat belt laws passed in the UK, it was to cut down the cost to the National Health Service for the treatment of injuries caused in accidents and to save lives. It had a significant effect on both of these.
SINCE OUR LAST REPORT
All Police Officers on Ascension have received training from Mr Darby Allen who is a retired Police Trainer from the Central Police Training Centre in the UK. The officers received training in interviewing both suspects and witnesses, also in tape recording interviews which will be adopted by the St Helena Police Service in the near future. At the moment Police interviews with suspects are recorded in written form. The use of tape recorded interviews will save time and will make a record which will be unlikely to be disputed in court. This will result in a better service being provided to the public and better use of Police resources.
Inspector Reginald Williams will be away on leave until 16th April 2009 Assistant Superintendent of Police Jeffrey Ellick will be standing in for him. If anyone as any issues or concerns to raise with him feel free to call or pop in and have a chat.
Police have dealt with two minor Road Traffic Collisions.
A passport irregularity at the Airhead.
Assisted AIG Medical Services to deal with a medical emergency.
Assisted a yachts crew to find fresh water for their voyage.
Dave SISMEY
Sergeant
Ascension Island Police
16th March 2009.
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