In December 2005 when George Jackson was appointed Commissioner of Police with responsibility for managing the affairs of Bermuda Police Service, it was a part of the strategic plan of the Government to appoint a professional in the capacity of an Assistance Commissioner of Police (ACP) who would be responsible for tackling the narcotic problem that is swiftly destroying Bermuda’s (mainly the black male) population. This new appointee was to be assigned to the Bermuda Police Service.
The people of Bermuda will like to know if there was such an appointment made, and if there was have the country benefited from such an investment? Very often an individual in such a position often get off without actually performing in the capacity in which he or she was employed to function; yet they continually reap the reward for an obligation that they failed to live up to.
When any government invest public funds to deal with a matter that is as technical and sensitive as the drugs crisis that is presently demobilizing the labor force, (skill and unskilled human resources) of the nation; there must be checks, balances and other means of evaluating the progress of lack of progress of the individual (s). This is two sensitive an issue to allow to go unmonitored; there is too much at stake.
One way of assessing the progress or lack of progress of such an appointee is to compare data, and programs and the effectiveness of the programs that was implemented to tackle the problems. Below are six points that can be considered:
1. What program or programs were put in place to enhance the Bermuda Police Service effectiveness and efficiency in detecting, arresting, investigating, and prosecution of the smugglers, traffickers and suppliers of drugs in the community?
2. The quantity of drug arrest made by the Bermuda Police Service that is attributed to programs implemented by this appointee, and how does the statistics compare to the time of his appointment to the present, in relations to pass corresponding periods.
3. The quantity of drugs that was seized by the Bermuda Police Service that is attributed to programs implemented by the appointee; and how does the statistics compare to the time of his appointment to the present, in relation to pass corresponding periods.
4. How many new individuals had become addicted to one of the many illegal substances that are available on the streets of Bermuda when compare to the time of his appointment to the present, in relation to pass corresponding periods? (These data can be obtained from the various treatment facilities on the island)
5. How many new drug pushers have emerged providing retail service in the community? (this information can be obtained from the intelligence division of the Bermuda Police Service)
6. How many cases have the Bermuda Police Service have successfully:
a. investigated
b. Prosecuted
c. And gain conviction for; for to the period of his appointment to present when compared to corresponding periods.
7. How many seizures or properties etc. were confiscation by the Bermuda Police service under the proceeds of Drugs act 19 . When compare to the time of his appointment to the present, in relation to pass corresponding periods?
8. How many arrests were made by the Bermuda Police Service as it relates to the laundering of drugs money when compare to the time of his appointment to the present, in relation to pass corresponding periods.
9. There are many other indicators which can be used to evaluate the progress or lack of progress of this appointee designate.
Study by: Allan H. F. Palmer
