Right officers in the right roles vital to crime fight, says ACP 

By Val Matthias. Updated 1:25 p.m., Thursday, August 20, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

The Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force must ensure that the right officers are placed in the right positions if it is to strengthen its fight against crime, according to Assistant Commissioner of Police with responsibility for crime, Brenton Smith. 

Mr Smith says effective management of the force’s human resources has a direct bearing on its ability to tackle criminal activity successfully.

Speaking at a press conference, he said professional policing could not be demanded without ensuring officers were properly deployed, trained, supervised, equipped and supported.

“We must identify the skills within our organisation, place the right people in the right positions and continue developing our capabilities,” he said.

Mr Smith said this development must include strengthening the force’s capacity in investigations, intelligence, technology, supervision and leadership.

He said he continued to hold responsibility for human resources and saw a direct relationship between effective personnel management and successful crime fighting.

The Acting Assistant Commissioner said officers must also understand that professionalism and respect for the law were non-negotiable.

The force, he said, would be firm with those involved in criminal activity while maintaining professional treatment of the public.

“We will be proactive but lawful. We will be determined but disciplined,” Mr Smith said, adding that effective policing and professional policing must go together.

His comments form part of the police force’s wider response to recent concerns about serious crime and gun violence in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Mr Smith has outlined plans for greater coordination, accountability and the use of intelligence, alongside efforts to strengthen investigations and improve the deployment of police resources.

The ultimate test of those efforts, he said, would be whether the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines were safer.

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