The Tribune

MINISTER of National Security Bernard Nottage once again avoided saying definitively whether the controversial 12-hour shift system for police officers has ended.

Despite being the one who announced the measure in September as necessary in the fight against crime, when asked about it last week, he passed responsibility off to the commissioner of police.

At the time of the announcement, it was said that desk officers and even Police Band members would have to take to the streets, with Defence Force marines taking up the slack.

So far, officials have praised the effort, citing favourable results, but crime statistics substantiating these claims have yet to be released.

And with the traditionally high crime holiday season approaching, reports suddenly surfaced that the scheme had been scrapped amid complaints from the Police Staff Association.

But yesterday, Dr Nottage again declined to confirm or deny these reports, only saying: “I measure success by the reduction of the fear of crime in the community. Obviously, the statistics do count as well, but really when people feel safer going about their business in the country.”

At the end of the day, he said, he as National Security Minister does not decide how the police are deployed.

“The police is providing the coverage that has always been provided to secure our safety. As you know, one of the primary things that we wanted was to have saturation patrols done. And immersing the various communities with police officers and that is continuing,” Dr Nottage said.

“Firstly, I do not prescribe exactly how the police are deployed, but what I indicated is the objective that we are seeking to achieve and I am satisfied that we are achieving that objective.”

However, at the time it was first announced by Dr Nottage, he seemed to take personal responsibility for the move, being quoted in the press as saying: “Bahamians are fearful and I have to act now.”

The 12-hour shift system has been a topic of contention since it was implemented.

Initially, the Police Staff Association said they were “blind-sided”by the government’s decision.

Later, the PSA demanded that the officers receive overtime pay for working longer hours.

However, to date, there has been no word on whether they will receive compensation.

When questioned about this, officials have only replied that police officers are paid.