Ascension : Police Report
Submitted by The Islander (Police Ascension) 11.02.2010 (Article Archived on 25.02.2010)

The above campaign concluded on 3 January 2010, 24 drivers were breath tested.

8 failed the breath test of which 2 later provided ‘under the limit’ readings on the evidential apparatus at Georgetown Police Office.

POLICE  REPORT

THE EMERGENCY NUMBER FOR THE POLICE IS:

6666

This number is staffed 24/7 if it is a genuine emergency please use it.

Just because there is not a Police Officer in the Police Station it does not mean there are no officers on duty.

CHRISTMAS DRINK DRIVE CAMPAIGN

The above campaign concluded on 3 January 2010, 24 drivers were breath tested.

8 failed the breath test of which 2 later provided ‘under the limit’ readings on the evidential apparatus at Georgetown Police Office. The remaining 6 drivers have either been reported or have had their cases dealt with, 2 drivers are still under investigation. In addition there were two hit and run road accidents, alcohol is suspected as being a major factor in those particular incidents and investigations continue. 3 drivers passed the breath test, although the apparatus indicated alcohol. A further 13 drivers provided ‘zero’ breath tests. All the drivers reported were male. Vehicles were stopped at various times during the day and night. All ‘failed’ breath tests occurred as a result of ‘night stops’.

It may be possible to draw some conclusions from the figures, despite only 24 vehicles being stopped; one driver in every three provided a ‘failed’ breath test: that ratio is far too high. If that figure was to be multiplied by the number of drivers on the island, then it may not be unreasonable to suggest that there is a concern. It may also be significant that all the drivers reported/under investigation are male. Of the 24 vehicles stopped there were a number of female drivers breath tested, therefore it may be reasonable to suggest that a male is more likely to be an offender; although it is certainly true that there are probably less female than male drivers on the island.

Figures can be used to support or disprove an argument depending on your viewpoint. 24 vehicles stopped are possibly not enough to draw any hard facts or evidence, but it does none the less give an indication.

To the Clubs and Organisations who displayed the ‘don’t drink and drive’ poster and provided transport for their employees to attend festive functions, a very big thank you. Your assistance and consideration was greatly appreciated.

VISIT TO ASCENSION BY NEW CHIEF OF POLICE

On Sunday 17 January Mr. Peter Coll, the Chief of Police for  the St.Helena Police Service made a brief stop on Ascension during the ‘turn around’ of the RMS St.Helena. He was able to meet the local officers and share with them his vision for the future of the St.Helena Police Service.

Mr. Coll was a former colleague of Mr. Royce Hipgrave, who recently acted as temporary Chief of Police, until the appointment of Mr. Coll. Despite his stay on Ascension being all to brief, Mr. Coll indicated that he will return later in the year for a longer period. He then hopes to be able to meet as many Ascension residents as possible.

Constable Peter McMullen