Pubdate: Wed, 24 May 2006 Source: Cayman Net News (Cayman Islands) Copyright: 2006 Cayman Net Ltd Contact: http://www.caymannetnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3700 A COSTLY COMMITMENT WILL DEMAND RESULTS The recent financial commitment that has been made by the Government in this year's budget to address crime is a welcome move, but there is no doubt that expectations will be raised about performance and results. Every public sector or Government department is accountable to the treasury for the money they spend and it will be no different for law enforcement. This year there are extra expenditures within the security budget to focus on the control of our borders. With the increase in people and drug trafficking all over the world, even the Cayman Islands can no longer think itself immune from the ills of the international community and the waters that surround this country can be a source of criminal activity, which will impact directly on all who live and work here. The most pressing issue that law enforcement will be expected to deal with is the shipment and smuggling of illegal drugs, the scourge of every modern day community. We must however, recognize that throwing money at this particular problem does not always bring equitable results. All over the world as governments increase expenditure on fighting the war on drugs, the war is far from won, many would say it is lost and no amount of financial commitment to border security will stop these goods making there way onto the black market in every country. With money allocated to purchase more marine patrol vessels then officers from Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, (RCIPS) and the Customs Department will be able to cover more ground. However, those in the business of dealing drugs will be aware of that and will simply ensure that they utilize the decoy system more effectively in our waters as they do elsewhere in the world. It is well documented internationally that, when law enforcement intercepts one shipment of drugs more often than not that was merely a decoy boat sent to distract from the really serious shipments going on simultaneously. Protecting our borders is an important issue but with an unprecedented level of investment in that area this year, we should prepare to be disappointed when it comes to a proportionate result. Much of the crime we experience here in the Cayman Islands is like many other modern societies based around the issue of drugs. Disputes between rival drug dealing gangs resulted in an increase in shootings and even murders last year and frequently the opportunist robberies, thefts, handbag snatchings and muggings are a result of users trying to raise the money for a fix. Trying to tackle drug related crime is essential and if possible cutting off the supply can only mean a reduction of drugs on our streets. We must then of course be prepared for the unintended consequences of succeeding. Reducing the number of drugs on the streets creates more rivalry between dealers to secure their goods and pushes up the price, meaning users will be committing more crime to secure the increased cash they need to buy their drugs. As most experts say when it comes to tackling drug crime we need to address the users through education and attract our young people away from the temptations of drugs as much as we need to tackle those who produce, distribute, ship and sell what are the world's most high demand illegal goods. Money spent on fighting the drug war with more boats and police officers is only part of it. We need to ensure that expenditure on education about drug misuse and helping those who fall victim to the scourge recover their lives, is equally as substantial. Security and protection from crime are important elements in all modern societies and we welcome the Government's commitment to take crime seriously and raise spending where necessary -- the Government we hope will not be too disappointed with the results. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake