Government MP Ashfield DeVent has called on Police to produce figures to back claims they have improved response times as he lashed out over drug-dealers operating around the clock in his Pembroke seat.

His comments come after Acting Police Commissioner Roseanda Young said response times had improved after shifting resources toward community policing.

She said the changes, implemented three months ago after canvassing the public, included more patrols in several areas and a new shift system with staggered start times.

But Mr. DeVent said: "A few months ago when Police made a bigger presence in my area I was the first to commend them."

He said Police had been seen walking the beat and the pushers had briefly cleared out but now with drug dealing hitting a summer peak the Police presence had dwindled said Mr. DeVent.

"Now I don't see the Police and the drug activity is 24/7 — it's in broad daylight.

"In regard to response times I would like to see the figures. There's a perception among many people that they are not all that quick.

"If they have improved their response times then gee, what was it before?" said Mr. DeVent who noted the Prospect Police HQ was a very short drive from the crime hot spots of his Pembroke South West seat.

He said many residents didn't bother calling the Police because they felt nothing would happen.

Earlier this summer Mr. DeVent had complained about the lack of Police which had led to Police Commissioner George Jackson firing back in the media.

But he said the Police should address the problem instead of mounting endless PR exercises.

"There is open drug dealing and drug use off Court Street, they are selling drugs in Middle Town, Curving Avenue and in Parson's Road.

"Everyone seems to know it exists — except for the Police.

"There seems to be a discussion of who's in charge — the Governor or the Government.

"I would encourage the Governor to take a drive around the area and speak to the people. People are afraid."