The Royal St Helena Police Service (RSHP) would like to extend its sincere thanks to all community members who took the time to complete the public survey distributed in May of this year.

Your feedback is invaluable in helping us shape a safer, more supportive environment for everyone on the island. Based on the responses received, we have identified three key areas of focus and are pleased to share the immediate actions we are taking to address them:

Enhancing Community Interaction and Rebuilding Trust

A primary theme from the survey was the desire for more face-to-face interaction with officers to rebuild public trust and confidence.

  • Our Action: In response, our front-line staff have increased their visible presence across the island, engaging regularly with local schools and conducting foot patrols in Jamestown, Half Tree Hollow, and Longwood. We are grateful for the positive feedback we have already received regarding these efforts.
  • Neighbourhood Policing Team: To build on this momentum, we have launched a dedicated Neighbourhood Policing Team consisting of a Police Sergeant and a Police Constable. This team will focus on community-based issues, working closely with schools and crèches, addressing district-specific concerns, and utilising local Police Posts to meet and greet residents.

Bridging the Gap and Returning to True Community Policing

Feedback indicated a perceived gap between the police and the public, with a strong collective desire to return to the island’s traditional, close-knit style of community policing.

  • Our Action: As a service, we are committed to deepening our relationship with the community. We are already noticing a positive shift in how the public interacts with our officers, and we hope you are feeling the difference. We will continue working hard to earn and maintain your confidence.

Monitoring and Combating Underage Alcohol Consumption

Underage drinking was highlighted as a significant ongoing concern for residents.

  • Our Action: We are actively collaborating with local schools and have increased our targeted weekend patrols in known problem areas to deter and counter this behaviour.
  • How You Can Help: If you have any information that could help us address underage drinking or identify hot spots, please message us directly at cid@sainthelena.gov.sh.

Moving Forward Together

Every comment submitted in the survey is being taken on board as we continually look for ways to improve. Your insights directly support our core policing priorities:

  • Preventing and tackling crime
  • Protecting vulnerable people
  • Improving public confidence in policing
  • Enhancing our overall police service
  • Delivering justice for victims of crime
  • Making our roads safer

Chief of Police, Julian Pezzani, commented:

“You are the community, and we are here to listen to you. Thank you for your continued partnership and for helping us keep St Helena safe.”

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