CRIME

PAULA COX

New laws protecting vulnerable witnesses and cracking down on bad parents may have grabbed the public's attention — but Ms Cox says it's changes to rules of arrest that could make the first dents in Bermuda's crime wave.

Recent amendments to the Firearms and Bails Acts give Police power to hold gun crime suspects for up to 28 days and impose conditions of bail such as a curfew or surrender of a passport.

The Deputy Premier says feedback from Police shows such legislation will be very helpful in making sure they catch those responsible for the unprecedented rise in gang violence.

But she says people shouldn't expect a never-ending series of new laws to deal with crime.

"If you are going to assess what's required, it's not a matter of coming up with a lot of legislation," she said.

"What Police need is greater cooperation being offered from the public. Legislation doesn't change the mindset and hearts of man."

Ms Cox says Government is also trying to balance the yin and yang by making sure social policies are in place to stop people offending in the first place.

These include initiatives such as the Child Development Programme which is trying to reinforce good behaviour in primary and preschool children.

"Greater focus is on what can be done to better track our young people," she said.

"You speak to teachers, they say, 'young Billy who's been arrested, there were some flags.' In the past, we've not been so observant. There's a renewed focus on that."

Ms Cox cites child day care and tuition at Bermuda College as examples of how Government is using fiscal policy to help those less well off.

She says Government must also continue to address inequality as it tries to get on top of crime.

"Not everyone who takes up a gun is dysfunctional, but more often that not there can be a link," she said.

"Part of our role is dealing with those who have challenges and problems."

But she warns against concentrating solely on those not doing well, adding: "We have got to be careful in focusing on those who have needs that we don't focus only on a few. We have also got to encourage and reward good behaviour."