Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 04, 2014 (SKNIS): The expertise of agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been welcomed in St. Kitts and Nevis as they arm local security personnel with advanced techniques in Active Shooter and Intelligence Gathering.
Head of the Anti-Crime Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister H.E. Astona Browne said the June 3 to 5 course is “timely” as it “enhances the capacity of law enforcement officers to develop the skills necessary to identify traits and behaviours in the individual, (and) is part of a proactive approach in dealing with violent and gang-related crimes.”
“We welcome the intervention of the FBI to offer this specialized training to our law enforcement officers to enable them not only to respond to active threat events but to enable them in the execution of their duties to be effective and skillful in using the evidence, the information and intelligence available from all sources in investigating and preventing violent crimes,” Mrs. Browne told the participants comprising of supervisors within the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) and Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise Unit.
The 30 participants were encouraged to pay particular attention to agents Edgar Cruz, Rodney Cortez and Kim Webster who are facilitating the sessions. The professionalism of FBI agents is renowned and is considered to be an important factor of their success in the field.
Mrs. Browne also commended Commissioner of Police Celvin G. Walwyn for his leadership of the RSCNPF and the ongoing efforts to raise efficiency and effectiveness.
“Government as a whole will continue to work with you in the execution of your task as head of the principal law enforcement agency in the Federation,” she pledged. “Under your leadership much has been accomplished. The evidence is there for all, especially those who are on the side of law and order, to see. Normalcy is returning to our streets. The FBI are always welcome to partner with us in building capacity and making the change in mindset and procedures as we seek to deal with the new and emerging threats and lift the delivery of service in traditional and non-traditional criminal activities.”
The permanent secretary thanked Major Coleman, the Regional Legal Advisor for the Caribbean with the Department of Justice of the United States for his unwavering support in enhancing the capacity of local emergency personnel. Coleman has assisted in organizing training related to first responders at the scene of a crime, basic homicide, forensic investigation and strengthening the prosecutorial capabilities of the officers.