WEFM’s Issues at Hand program on Sunday was joined by this country’s Commissioner of Police Colin John where he touched on the topic of sexual crimes involving minors.
Commissioner John during his appearance on the program was asked about some of the challenges that Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines faces when dealing with these cases.
“Some of the challenges that we have encountered is that some persons may choose not to cooperate with the police. Whether the parents of the child or the young child themselves—let’s say a fourteen year old got involved in a sexual encounter, you will try to get information from her, she may choose not to [cooperate]. You might be able to get a statement but then on the day [in] court you will find that they go to the home to warn them and the day before they are not there—persons reluctant to go to court” he said.
The Commissioner goes on talk about the other challenges police face concerning forensics and counseling, when dealing with these matters.
“We also need some assistance in terms of forensics in that area, we know the Government resources are limited, but we can do with some improvement in those areas” Commissioner John said.
The Police Commissioner made mention of aspects such as swabbing rape victims as well as counseling as aspects that need improvement.
