The Premier is pointing the finger at the Governor to do more about curbing the violence in Bermuda.
He said the government is 'hamstrung' in getting any results because operational control lies with Governor Sir Richard Gozney.
Dr. Brown said: "While we've taken action to address the crime issue, we are not yet satisfied and are calling for more reforms. Unfortunately, despite being in government, we are hamstrung in our abilities to act. In spite of the fact that the Bermudian taxpayer pays for our police service, an unelected Governor has full control over operational policing.
"We have repeatedly called for reform in operational policing strategies. Specifically, we are calling for a greater police presence in known hot spots. We are calling for greater community policing to build trust between the people and the police. And, we are calling for international experts to be brought in to help train our police in best practices for reducing gang violence.
"The people of Bermuda expect results. They're going to hold the people they elected accountable. Bermudians are rightfully outraged by the recent violence and are demanding action. We are taking action. We are pleading with Government House to adopt new operational policing strategies. And, we are making the case that those who pay the operational policing bill should have a say over operational policing strategies. We are making the case at the Overseas Territories Consultative Committee while we are in London. We believe that policing in Bermuda must be reformed, not more of the same.
"We believe that the time for talk is over and the time for action is now. We know what needs to be done and we're going to do it."
Dr. Brown said government had puts some measures into place to help tackle the root of the problem - drug trafficking.
"It is tragic when we lose a life - any life - to violence. It is not enough to wring our hands and say awful it is. It is surely not enough to say that the perpetrators and the victims are just bad men and we're better off if we just let them all kill each other. The perpetrators and the victims aren't just criminals. They are sons, grandsons, brothers, boyfriends, cousins.
"I encourage anyone who knows about the most recent killing or any others to come forward and help the police to address this wave of gun-related violence and death. If necessary, we will see to it that witnesses are protected.
"I also want all of Bermuda to get serious about addressing, together, the underlying causes. On Friday, I stated what my government was going to do to respond to the Mincy report's excellent analysis and recommendations. That's a start, but only a start.
In the next few days, I will be issuing a challenge to all of us about how we in Bermuda can make Bermuda safer for all of us. Working together is a proud part of our 400 year history. Let us remind ourselves about that and address our common problem as we have always done: as a community working together.
"In response to the recent violence and homicides, the Government had already initiated programs. We could see the "writing on the wall." We know that much, if not most, of the violence is related to the illegal drug trade and drug use and abuse. Just last October, we implemented a mandatory substance abuse treatment programme to combat drug use.
"We announced the expansion of the Mirrors programme to prevent crime before it starts. We passed tough, new laws that give our police greater powers to investigate crimes and bring criminals to justice."
Posted: Thursday, December 10, 2009
Comment by:
bahhhh
I laugh and cry everytime this man demands control of the police. Not too long ago he wanted control over the DPP and judicial system. This year he wants control over the Corporations of St. Georges and Hamilton and now operational control of the police. Centralizing so much power into the hands of a few (more likely one) makes us a banana republic slipping into almost a totalitarian state. The funny thing about it is everytime he claims to be 'hamstrung' regarding policing activities is that he hasn't put forward one reason or idea as to why policing would improve under his control. But I guess he doesn't need to justify his actions anymore, as the flock of sheep have grown ever bigger. BAAAHAHHAHAHH....
Posted: Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Comment by:
Rockfish
Perhaps the police service should be headed by Commissioner of Police, Ewart F Brown, along with Deputy Commissioner David A Burch.
The senior officers should be recruited from the United States and the Caribbean.
Problem solved!
Posted: Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Comment by:
letariatpro
Surely Dr. Brown would not stoop so low as to take advantage of this heinous act to further his own agenda of gaining control over the police force. I cannot believe the Governor or anyone else would believe this would be a good move for Bermuda.
Posted: Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Comment by:
Scott
As the first go to guy for operational control, one would think the Commissioner would be the one brown is whining about. Dr brown, no matter how often people bring it up, still will not say why he doesnt blame the commissioner, or why he feels the commissioner needs to do more work/be removed. He always goes for the governor, and its not hard to see its due to his "king of bermuda" attitude. Never have they mentioned anything besides "he isnt doing what we want".
Posted: Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Comment by:
yeahright
So, I guess Dr Brown made this statement in Copenhagen in between Sky TV interviews. He is busy isn't he. Solving the global warming problem while, at a 5,000 mile distance, casting blame for problems here.
Posted: Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Comment by:
Control
Whatever the Governor decides to do to assist the police, it should NOT be to hand control over to the Government. Policing will not fix the current societal issues we have now, the people of Bermuda have to fix them for themselves.
Posted: Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Comment by:
Enforcer
The decisions made for Police are made by the Commissioner of Police and his assistants not Government House. Anything that they deem major recommendations in regard to Policing must go through Government House however if it is a sound proposal, I'm sure they will be given authority to carry them out. The Premier and David Burch are constantly trying to make the public believe it is the Governor that is doing nothing to prevent crime. This has to stop, they(the Government) are not 'hamstrung' they are only trying to take control of the Police Service and dictate at their will. Both have no clue about Policing, bringing in foreign experts only lasts for a short time. Look at Operation Cleansweep it was a short fix and it is now worse. Cleansweep couldn't be sustained indefinitely. Most of the Senior Officers now were part of that initiative. What did they learn and have they used the same tactics to combat the present wave of crime (I think not)? Gone are the days of Police Training School to learn how to fight crime. More Officers would benefit immensely by educating themselves through institutions like the University of Leicester and other Criminology Programs to understand crime(all types) and make informed decisions based on empirical research. It is time for the Government to encourage and support the COP and his Officers and provide the funding to undertake whatever is needed to battle this crime wave. I would also encourage more officers who have chosen Policing as a career to educate themselves in Criminology and Public Safety, which few of your colleagues already have and are better Police Officers because of it.
