The police service is under pressure from a lot of areas. More recruits are needed as the thin “Blue Line†is currently very stretched. Although the Island is a safe place the rise of violent crime and firearms offences are a real concern. Despite the Common Travel area I believe that there should be a requirement for photographic ID on the boat. The police need to know who is coming onto our Island. PNRD (Passenger Name Record Data) is to be maintained by Brexit declaration Part three of the trade cooperation agreement the UK negotiated with the EU. A framework is due to be established for processing the data and the Island should be part of it.
Drugs and the aftermath are a real threat to us all. I believe the time has come for a full debate on whether cannabis should be de criminalised. It is taking up a disproportionate amount of police and court time when bringing to justice someone who has 3 of 4 grams in their possession. Should we criminalise someone for growing two or three plants on their window ledge for personal use ? Often these people have a medical condition and it is the only way they can get relief. A full open and honest debate is needed.
Juvenile crime makes life a misery for all of those in the community. The only way this will be resolved is by a concerted effort from all agencies (Social workers, schools, police, NGO charities and the commissioners) to work with the at risk families right from the word go. Instilling a sense of hope and community responsibility in the families and youngsters concerned.
A full debate is needed as to how we are to stop youngsters drifting into the county lines drugs scene.
The police have to deal with many cases of people going through a mental crisis. The partnership with the crisis team has worked well but there is a shortage of places to refer these people. Police cells or A&E is not the place for them. Government should invest in a suitable facility.
In the winter of 2021 there is a full review to be conducted by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of the Police and Fire and Rescue services. Without wishing to pre- empt the outcome I will vigorously oppose any proposal to close the Laxey Fire station should that be a recommendation.