By Admin. Updated 5:21 p.m., Tuesday, August 25, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Members of the public have the right to record police officers carrying out their duties in public spaces, Acting Commissioner of Police Trevor Bailey has reminded members of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), in what could signal a significant shift in how officers engage with citizens.
The reminder comes amid longstanding complaints from members of the public who have alleged that officers have attempted to stop them from recording police operations. One News SVG has also received numerous reports over the years from individuals who claimed they were prevented from filming police activity. Two One News SVG reporters have similarly encountered officers who sought to prevent them from recording in public spaces while covering news events.
The issue was addressed on Tuesday during the RSVGPF’s General Meeting at the Old Montrose Police Centre, where the Force’s leadership outlined what it described as a strategic path forward for policing in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
During the meeting, Bailey told officers that people are entitled to record police activity in public places and stressed that recording alone does not constitute a criminal offence.
He also reminded officers to treat members of the public and their property with respect during searches, avoid unnecessary confrontations and use force only when it is reasonable and proportionate.
“There is always a better way of doing things,” Bailey said, as he urged officers to demonstrate courtesy, restraint and teamwork while putting an end to internal rivalries that weaken the organisation.
The meeting brought together the Force’s senior command, gazetted officers, inspectors, non-commissioned officers, constables and auxiliary police officers to examine current challenges and discuss measures aimed at strengthening public safety.
Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Junior Simmons acknowledged the sacrifices made by officers and their families, while recognising the difficult conditions at some police stations and departments.
He said work is continuing to improve police facilities, while leadership is considering counselling and family-support initiatives for officers. Plans are also under way to revive the Police Awards and Recognition Ceremony.
The Force is also reviewing its promotion policies with the aim of creating a more transparent system based on merit, competence, experience, performance and qualifications. Officers were encouraged to continue pursuing training and professional development.
Police leadership stressed that improved support for officers would be matched by higher expectations, saying every member of the organisation, regardless of rank, is expected to uphold discipline, integrity, accountability and respect for lawful instructions.
With firearm-related offences and other serious crimes continuing to concern the country, the RSVGPF said it intends to strengthen visible, intelligence-led policing.
Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Brenton Smith said reducing crime is the responsibility of every branch of the Force, not only investigators and specialised units.
“Crime is everybody’s business,” Smith said, calling for greater cooperation between beat and patrol officers, traffic police, intelligence, communications personnel, divisional officers, the Auxiliary Police Force and the Coast Guard.
He revealed that reinforced patrols have already been introduced in Kingstown. The Force is also exploring the use of mobile patrol units, drones and other technology to improve police visibility and response times.
Smith further called for stronger investigations, better crime-scene processing, improved case-file preparation and closer supervision, while directing senior officers to develop a 12-month crime strategy with clearly defined priorities and measurable objectives.
Police also indicated that enforcement alone will not be enough to tackle crime. Community policing, youth engagement, sporting activities and regular interaction with residents were identified as key measures for building trust, gathering intelligence and preventing criminal activity before it occurs.
Meanwhile, Coast Guard Commandant Lieutenant Commander Henry highlighted the Coast Guard’s role in national security, noting that the unit operates from Calliaqua, Bequia and Canouan and carries out maritime patrols, search-and-rescue missions, medical evacuations and joint operations with regional partners.
Lieutenant Commander Deon Henry reported that the Coast Guard conducted 943 patrols over the past year despite challenges including ageing facilities, limited funding, vessel maintenance costs and staff attrition.
Auxiliary Police Force Commandant Horace Williams welcomed the increased inclusion of auxiliary officers in the Force’s planning process and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting national security efforts.
The RSVGPF also identified stronger recruitment screening, improved staff retention, modern equipment and enhanced training to combat cybercrime and transnational organised crime among its priorities.
The Force said its new direction is centred on more visible policing, greater professionalism, stronger internal cooperation and respect for the rights of the public, including the right to lawfully record police officers performing their duties in public spaces.
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