The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Reasonable grounds of suspicion is a term used by Police Officers and Law enforcement Officers worldwide. It is written in our laws and gives the law enforcement officers wide powers to search and if necessary arrest offenders.

Police officers are expected to develop a suspicious mind and to follow up on their suspicions.

In New Providence, we must endeavour to motivate residents to become suspicious of persons, vehicles and activities, observed by them and report their observations to the police immediately.

It would be a major contribution in our efforts to eradicate crime. The motivation of the public must come from the politicians and pastors, whose voices are heard most frequently and their statements are more respected.

Reasonable grounds for suspicion could be considered in any of the following circumstances:

• A person(s) standing in the dark, who appears to be going nowhere in particular, dressed in dark clothing and wearing a hooded jacket.

• A person(s) parks a vehicle, including a motorcycle and walks through bushes in your residential area. Note the number plate on the vehicle, if there is one.

• A vehicle, usually with heavy tint driving slowly in the neighbourhood with multiple persons inside. Note the number of the licence plate, if there is one or if the plate is heavily tinted.

• Strange vehicles parked in your residential area could be a cause for concern.

• Vehicles, in particular trucks unloading items at night to homes in your residential areas.

• Persons visiting your residence claiming to be from a utilities company seeking entry to check or conduct repairs. Do not open door. Note number of vehicle.

• Movement in your yard by strange persons, in particular at night time.

• Being followed by a vehicle at any time and through any roads you turn into.

The above are just some forms of suspicious activities that we must report to the police. In reporting such matters to the police you would be asked your name, which you don’t have to give.

Just give the information and properly describe the location. Report activities, such as drug houses, strip joints and any other suspicious activities in houses or shops in your residential area.

To eradicate the crimes of violence taking place in New Providence, we must fully co-operate with the police and inform them of all suspicious persons, vehicles and activities, that we observe.

PAUL THOMPSON

Nassau,

April 29, 2014.