The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in tandem with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force launched the Police Incident Form within the framework of the UNDP implemented CariSECURE Project, the recently developed Police Records Management Information System (PRMIS) and the Caribbean Citizen Security Toolkit.

The new PRMIS will transition police stations from paper-based documenting to a digital format, allowing Police Officers to capture real-time data on incidents reported. This system allows for standardized, accurate crime data which will in turn form the basis for evidence-based decision making within the citizen security field.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. The Right Honourable Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines noted that although crime is universal, man’s nature is improvable and, “this is why the work of CariSECURE through UNDP and USAID is important. Citizen Security is at the heart of SVG and one of our top priorities,” he said. The Honourable Prime Minister was joined by UNDP’s Resident Representative for Barbados and the OECS, Mr. Madgy Martinez-Soliman who commented that, “nowhere like in this region and in the neighbouring continent is development so clearly dependent on citizen security, on the effectiveness of smart policing.”

Mr Martinez-Soliman further reminded those gathered that tourism and foreign investments are “quick on their feet and easily frightened.” That’s why, he stated, “…the Government of St. Vincent and Grenadines is building up the capacity of its Police Force, furthering a society where citizens enjoy development with security, and security with respect for their human rights.” In this vein, US Ambassador for Barbados and the OECS, Ms. Linda Taglialatela remarked that the new system will give police officers “21st century tools to tackle 21st century crime,” thereby transforming the way the police force does business.

With the installation of this new system, it is expected that police officers will gain vital 'intelligence' and, citizens can expect improved efficiency as the system eliminates the need for multiple crime incidence reports. Victims and witnesses will also benefit, now having the capacity to provide more detailed accounts to support investigators with closing cases quickly and efficiently.

CariSECURE is a component of USAID’s Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Project, which aims to build the region’s capacity to effectively address youth crime and violence, through the use of reliable national citizen security information. It represents a partnership between USAID and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), made possible by the support of the American People. The project is being implemented in nine Caribbean countries.