EDITORIAL: Prevent crime

WITH society’s focus set squarely on the present pandemic and its health, safety and economic repercussions, there appears to be a decrease in the reports of crimes in the media. Whether or not this is a true reflection of the state of affairs, it is true that even one instance of crime is one too many, therefore the issue should never be pushed to the backburner as there should be a continuous effort to realise a crime-free Barbados.

In doing so, one must consider the effectiveness of the penal system, since the fact that there are numerous repeat offenders appearing in the courts on a daily basis serves to validate this concern. Yet, what can be done to improve this situation, and furthermore, what can be done to decrease the incidences of crime in the first place?

Presently, Barbados’ legal system stipulates specific punishments for crimes committed, with serious offenders being sent to jail, while lesser offenders are placed on probation or fined. Persons on probation often enter rehabilitation programmes to improve their socialisation skills to be better able to integrate into society and to deter them from a further life of crime. This system is acceptable. There is no argument that perpetrators of crimes deserve punishment. Also, rehabilitation programmes are a step in the right direction. Still, there needs to be more effort placed on preventing criminal behaviour in the first place.

Psychologists have put forward the idea that criminal actions are formed when the opportunity of a crime presents itself and personal gain from this opportunity outweighs the chances of being caught and the penalty if they are caught. It would appear then that the key to reducing crime lies, ironically, in enforcing punishments. To this end, the legislature, judiciary and constabulary would need to implement specific laws with clear penalties and enforce these laws to their fullest.

In the past, we have fallen down in this area. For instance, cases of praedial larceny and continuous occurrences of illegal dumping are frequently given a slap on the wrist. This is not good enough. People need to see the serious repercussions of their actions to deter them from making the wrong choices and committing a crime.

Part of showing the “serious repercussions” is to have an efficient, speedy court process, whereby punishments are handed out without too much delay. Presently, scores of persons go through the court system in what is often a long drawn-out process, filled with adjournments. This is no deterrent to criminals. Unless remanded, individuals are free to go about their business until such time as their cases are heard, so lesser offenders might consider this worth the risk.

In addition to shaping environmental factors to make crime more unappealing, shaping an individual’s personal environment or socialisation is also key. In this regard, the presence of positive reinforcement, role models and family support all play an integral part in defining socially acceptable responses when faced with illegal opportunity.

To prevent crime, there must also be a more pro-active stance on ensuring persons with disciplinary issues are counselled before they escalate into crime. It is often easier to spot children with disciplinary problems in the school setting than it is to spot the same challenges in adults, before they appear before our law courts. Furthermore, even if they are identified, adults cannot be forced into counselling as would a minor under parental direction.

It would appear then that further crime prevention is possible through the implementation of stricter laws, a more effective police force and an efficient judiciary. It would also appear that the focus should be on addressing potential problems in our youth, thus ensuring a more crime-free society in the future.