Prime Minister and Minister for National Security Hon Philip J Pierre has sought to reassure the public of the government’s confidence in the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, while emphasizing the urgent need to strengthen trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
The Prime Minister addressed public concerns on Monday during the weekly pre cabinet media briefing, just days after the RSLPF welcomed 96 new recruits into its ranks.
He noted that government continues to invest in the police force and remains committed to providing the resources necessary to support crime fighting efforts.
“I am confident in the police force and committed to them,” Pierre said, pointing to ongoing investments and support from government.
He acknowledged, however, that there are physical and logistical constraints that limit how quickly and extensively certain initiatives can be implemented.
According to the Prime Minister, the central challenge facing the police is not solely one of resources, but of trust. He stressed that building confidence between the police and the wider community is essential to effective policing.
“The biggest issue is trust,” Pierre stated. “The police have to work to gain the confidence of the community, and at the same time, the community must embrace the police.”
He described the relationship between citizens and law enforcement as a shared responsibility, noting that sustainable public safety depends on mutual belief and cooperation.
“It has to be a situation where the people believe in the police, and the police believe in the people,” he said.
The Saint Lucian leader also highlighted the importance of trust within the police force itself, suggesting that internal cohesion and confidence are equally critical to strengthening overall performance.
“We need more trust, even trust within the police themselves,” Pierre declared.
While reaffirming that the government will continue to provide additional resources where possible, the Prime Minister noted that closer engagement between the police and communities remains key. He expressed optimism that the RSLPF is moving in the right direction and encouraged continued efforts toward deeper collaboration and understanding.
