RSVGPF unveils strengthened strategy to tackle gun violence 

By Admin. Updated 1:55 p.m., Thursday, August 20, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

The Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) has announced a strengthened, intelligence-led approach to tackling gun violence, illegal firearms and serious crime, with renewed focus on accountability, investigations and coordinated operations.

The announcement came during a press conference on Thursday, August 20, where Acting Commissioner of Police Trevor Bailey, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Junior O. Simmons and Assistant Commissioner of Police (Ag.) Brenton Smith outlined the Force’s response to growing public concern over recent shootings and violent incidents.

As part of the new command structure, ACP Smith has been assigned responsibility for Crime, with oversight of the Force’s crime-fighting efforts. His portfolio will focus on intelligence gathering, illegal firearm interdiction, investigations, accountability and the effective deployment of police personnel.

Acting Commissioner Bailey said the Force recognises the fear, grief and wider social impact caused by shootings, particularly among victims, families and communities.

“We will not normalize gun violence,” Bailey declared.

He said the response will include improved intelligence collection and analysis, targeted operations, increased police visibility, stronger supervision, professional investigations, firearm recovery efforts and closer cooperation among law-enforcement agencies.

Bailey stressed that crime prevention and detection cannot be the responsibility of a single unit or group of investigators, but must involve the entire organisation.

“Effective policing and professional policing must go together,” he said.

Under the new structure, Acting Deputy Commissioner Simmons will be responsible for ensuring that the Force’s strategic direction is translated into sustained and coordinated action on the ground.

Simmons said operations will be guided by intelligence, crime trends and identified risks, with police resources directed towards targeted interventions, lawful searches, warrant executions, checkpoints and increased patrols where necessary.

“Our objective is not simply to respond to crime. Our objective is to prevent crime, protect lives, restore confidence and make our communities safer,” Simmons stated.

The Acting Deputy Commissioner said the Force will strengthen information sharing among key departments, including the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Major Crimes Unit, Special Branch, Traffic Branch and other operational units.

He added that cooperation will also continue with external partners, including regional and international law-enforcement agencies, the Financial Intelligence Unit, Customs and Excise Department, Immigration Department, and port and airport authorities.

Simmons also highlighted the importance of community involvement, saying police engagement with schools, Police Youth Clubs, mentorship programmes and community groups will remain a key part of preventing violence.

He emphasised, however, that stronger enforcement must be carried out within the law.

“Vigorous policing does not mean indiscriminate policing,” Simmons said, noting that officers must exercise their powers fairly, professionally and with respect for the rights and dignity of citizens.

Taking responsibility for the Crime portfolio, ACP Smith said the impact of gun violence must be measured beyond statistics.

He noted that every shooting has consequences that extend beyond the immediate incident, affecting families, children and entire communities.

“Our responsibility is to save lives,” Smith said.

Smith outlined five immediate priorities for the crime portfolio:

Intelligence: The Force will focus on identifying individuals, conflicts, locations, firearm movements and criminal networks linked to gun violence, ensuring information is transformed into timely action.

Illegal firearms: Greater attention will be placed on recovering illegal firearms and ammunition, tracing their origins where possible and using ballistic evidence to connect weapons to criminal activity.

Investigations: Reviews will be conducted into outstanding homicide and firearm-related cases to identify missed opportunities, incomplete enquiries and areas where forensic evidence can be further utilised.

Accountability: Crime briefings, operational targets and investigative updates will become part of a stronger system of review and evaluation.

Police personnel: The Force will seek to ensure officers are properly trained, supervised, equipped and assigned according to their experience and capabilities.

Smith said investigators handling serious offences such as murders and shootings must receive the institutional support needed to carry out their duties effectively.

He also issued a warning against internal barriers within the Force, saying departments must work together and avoid practices that could weaken investigations or compromise public safety.

The police leadership also delivered a message to members of the public and young people.

Smith cautioned youths against viewing firearms and violence as symbols of power or respect, saying retaliation and criminal activity can permanently damage lives and futures.

Parents and guardians were encouraged to pay close attention to changes in young people’s behaviour, monitor their associations and ensure that homes, vehicles or other property are not used to conceal firearms or support criminal activity.

The RSVGPF is also appealing to persons with information about illegal firearms, planned retaliation, shootings or firearm trafficking to contact the police through official confidential reporting channels.

The Force said information received will be handled responsibly and used in accordance with investigative procedures and legal safeguards.

The police leadership reiterated that all investigations will remain evidence-based and guided by the law, including respect for the presumption of innocence. Where sufficient evidence exists, suspects will be placed before the courts.

Bailey, Simmons and Smith maintained that gun violence will not be allowed to define Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, stressing that the new approach is not a temporary campaign but an ongoing effort that will be measured through results, accountability and public confidence.

The RSVGPF said it remains committed to protecting life, upholding the law and working with communities to create a safer country.

END