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There is nothing magical about fighting crime.

It is a matter of understanding the challenge, having the will to meet the challenge and applying resources in ways that can keep our streets and homes safe for law-abiding citizens.

I have had the privilege to serve as the United Bermuda Party's chief spokesman on public safety for nearly four years, and my biggest concern has been the disconnect between the challenge of rising crime and the government's inadequate response to that challenge.

The PLP Government is very good at creating the impression of cracking down on crime.

I remember in August 2006 in the wake of a drive-by shooting at a South Shore restaurant, the government held an emergency Cabinet meeting and came forward with a statement on "Law and Good Order."

It did not propose a detailed plan of action to fight crime but Police were out in force in the weeks that followed, and then they went away. Crime statistics later showed that the final three months of 2006 were the most violent on record.

Much the same thing happened last August, after the shocking killing of young Kellon Hill. An emergency Cabinet meeting was held. The Premier, trying to capture the public's deep concerns, said "We too have had enough."

But again there was little real action. There was a pledge to increase Police presence on the streets, a plan to convene a panel of "Clergy Against Crime" and consideration of an amnesty on weapons.

Crime statistics released this week again showed violent crime soaring, with more firearms in use and more robberies.

The United Bermuda Party has been pushing hard on a programme to meet the challenges of rising crime, with the goals of better detection of crime, effective prosecution of criminals and enhanced rehabilitation to reduce re-offending.

Gang culture

We have been particularly vocal on the fact that the government dragged its feet on hiring enough Police officers. For years, as crime increased and gang culture took hold in our society, the Police manpower was 10 per cent below its mandated levels. The reality is we cannot fight crime effectively without enough Police.

My bottom line concern is that the government simply is not fully committed to the fight. The signs have been there for people to see: from inexplicable cutbacks in Police training, to excuses that the government is powerless under the Constitution, to the mystifying failure to open the St. George's Police station in the face of that town's crime wave, to this week's statistics show alarming declines in the number of drug seizures.

During the election of 2007, the PLP made a big show of mocking our crime plan. And they spent considerable time arguing that crime in Bermuda was not as bad as we thought.

This is the kind of spin, distraction and lack of realism that lies at the centre of the government. It speaks to a lack of seriousness about what needs to be done.

The time has come for people to ask whether this government has what it takes to ensure their safety.

In our view, fighting crime is about marshalling resources for tough action against the criminal elements in our midst. It requires serious, long-term commitment and a realistic understanding of just what is happening in our society. Fighting crime is not about headlines.

Senator Michael Dunkley is Shadow Minister for Public Safety.

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