New serious organised crime unit faces challenges, expert warns

Government authorities have been cautioned about potential corruption and public trust issues that could affect the success of the proposed Serious Organised Crime Unit for the police.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced last Friday that the unit would focus “entirely on organised crime and gangs” amid a surge in deadly shootings. Mottley insisted that the unit, which will work alongside other police divisions, must ensure that the spike in violent crime is wrestled to the ground and that Barbados is not held to ransom by those who are “hostile to the liberty, safety and property of citizens”.

Dwayne Devonish, a professor of management and organisational behaviour at the University of the West Indies (UWI), advised policymakers to plan carefully when establishing the entity. While acknowledging that Barbados was taking a bold step in enhancing its law enforcement capabilities, Devonish highlighted both benefits and risks associated with the move.

“One of the chief advantages of establishing a specialised crime unit is the potential for a significant reduction in crime rates. By focusing resources and expertise on the most severe criminal activities, the unit can dismantle dangerous networks, thereby improving overall public safety,” Professor Devonish told Barbados TODAY.

The professor noted that the development of expertise within the unit could lead to more effective handling of complex investigations and successful disruption of gangs. He also suggested that the unit’s presence could act as a deterrent and enhance public confidence in law enforcement.

 “A specialised unit can streamline operations and improve collaboration with other national and international law enforcement agencies,” he said. “This enhanced coordination can lead to better intelligence sharing and more successful joint operations, which are crucial in combating gang-related and organised crime.”

But Professor Devonish warned of potential downsides, including the resource-intensive nature of the initiative. “This financial burden might strain existing resources and necessitate reallocations from other important areas,” he said.

The risk of corruption was another concern raised by the academic. “Concentrating power within a specialised unit can increase the temptation and opportunities for corrupt practices. Ensuring the integrity and accountability of the unit will be paramount to its success,” the UWI researcher cautioned.

He also highlighted potential issues with public perception, particularly if aggressive policing tactics are perceived to target specific communities unfairly. Operational challenges, including recruitment and training of qualified personnel, were identified as significant hurdles.

Professor Devonish emphasised the importance of building and maintaining positive community relations, stating that “the success of the unit depends heavily on public cooperation and reliable intelligence, which can only be achieved through trust and good relationships with communities affected by organised crime”.

The professor also noted the need for ongoing adaptation to new threats and criminal methodologies, as well as the challenges of international collaboration in combating organised crime.

Mottley identified community policing as “a critical component” of crime prevention efforts, announcing plans to deploy the police band to engage young people and “give them more skills”.

Professor Devonish recommended “careful planning, adequate resource allocation, and strong community engagement” to navigate the challenges and ensure the unit’s success in enhancing public safety and combating organised and gang-related crime.  

emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb