Compol Says Four Murders Solved During SOE

Commissioner of Police Dr Richard Rosado says the recent state of emergency (SOE) allowed investigators to solve at least four murder cases even as questions are being raised about the effectiveness of the policing strategy.

The SOE, which ended on June 8, has drawn criticism for failing to prevent killings within the very zones it was meant to secure. Rosado, however, dismissed claims that the renewed violence reflects a failure of policing strategy, pointing instead to what he described as the SOE’s primary goal.

“Please appreciate that one of the main objectives of the state of emergency was to allow investigators to conduct their investigation without any hindrance, and we were able to accomplish that by solving at least four murders,” Rosado told reporters.

He maintained that the special powers granted under the emergency measures gave detectives the room they needed to make headway on cases that might otherwise have stalled.

Rosado was also asked how a murder could happen on Albert Street in the middle of Saturday rush traffic, an area where police presence is usually heavy, and whether this meant criminals had simply stopped fearing police interdiction.

“Criminals would take the opportunity to strike when it presents itself,” he said. “But it is our mandate to ensure that we address and identify them and bring them to justice.”