Stellar police response

I’m long overdue at posting anything.  One item that has been near the top of my list is recognition of the police’s response to my burglary.  It turned out to be far more than I originally would have imagined including a quick response to my initial report, multiple follow-up visits for detailed accounts of what happened, what was stolen and also fairly intensive fingerprinting.  Ultimately the police apprehended a suspect who apparently had been released on parole only a couple months prior.  Subsequently patrols and police presence in my area have seemingly increased as it is apparent that the police have been stepping up their efforts if not in my area but throughout the island.  Overall I find the police have done an excellent job and should be commended for their efforts.

Quite unfortunately I’m still dismayed that I got burgled in the first place, which isn’t the police’s responsibility at all.  If ultimately found guilty in court, the suspect apprehended is an individual who rolled out of prison only to quickly return to crime.  He’s a young guy aged 19 with a rather troubled past so while not inexcusable it helps put pieces of the puzzle together.  It was suggested that the reason he stole what he did was that he was selling the items for drugs and that conclusion seems to make sense.

Getting broken into frankly sucks but having gone through a similar experience when I was in university made things a bit easier.  In this case, mostly smaller items were taken and in such a way that if I hadn’t had an eye for specific details I probably wouldn’t have noticed immediately.  The reason being the burglar made attempts to cover his tracks and actually managed to get in at least twice before I was certain I’d been burgled.  By comparison when my place was broken into in Canada they pretty much took everything and tore my place apart looking for anything I may have hidden.  It was a much more devastating experience.

What bothers me most about this experience more so than the loss of my possessions or the invasion of my home and privacy is how we failed this individual and as a society are likely failing so many others.  While indeed not everyone is savable I’d like to think that most are.  How is it that we managed to jail this individual and yet later release him back onto the streets only to succumb to criminal activities in what may well be caused by a drug addiction?  How did we not rehabilitate this individual to help him deal with and manage his addiction?  How did we not provide him with the tools and hope for a better life to stay away from drugs and crime?  How many others out there are just like him and how long will it be before more break-ins or worse occur as these individuals roll in and out of our justice system without remorse or recourse?

Comments

[Rummy]

Good to hear that all went well with the apprehension. I also note that you have a better outlook with regards to the Police Service.

I agree with most of your points but the "we" part I have some difficulty with.

We all do our part but we can only do so much. Parents play the major role here but we should not be liable to pick it all up for them.

The system works in my view it's the ones that abuse it that make it harder for all of us even with our good deeds, and humility towards them.

The trend will continue as it is global and defines the current state of all countries.

Bermuda is less complex because of it's size. The 'managers' need to consult more often with the workers and the workers need to keep a clean house stable.

[Denis]

Rummy,

I definitely didn't mean to imply that we can solve everything. Indeed, I remain a supporter of the 3 strike rule, however believe there is more that should be done in terms of rehabilitation of people to keep them from getting a second strike and subsequently rehabilitation of our society to prevent people from getting any strikes at all.

As suggested, not everyone can be saved but I do think more could be done.

[Rummy]

I agree more can be done in the rehabilitation area but you must always remember he Bermuda family makeup.

Even today, they get a degree of instruction and councelling whilst incarcerated but upon release they are back into the 'parish' neighbourhood, street, backyard mentality of my 'poor little boy, mommy will watch over you whilst I work three jobs and yah deddy's dahn dee wall sallin drugs or humpin yah cousin'.............

Same ole same ole..............The family structure is the most vital backbone. Until that changes.........suggest you and others do what I do. Pray a lot, keep your values and take care of your own first and if time avails help produce the rehabiltitation.

A great day too all.