Guyana Observer News

Security measures at magistrates’ homes should be physical and electronic

Saturday, 25 April 2009

DEAR EDITOR,
Let me first state that I am in support for any increase in security which will reduce the incidence in crime.
However, I am following this story in the newspapers since it happened. In your article in the Tuesday 21st April, 2009 issue, you showed a photograph of Magistrate Hawke’s home and in the photo you showed the area where the culprit might have entered the house. Furthermore, it was stated that the area where the culprit entered was not secured. If that was so, it means that it might have been a lapse in security on the magistrate’s part.

The Government is responsible for the security of its citizens and visitors, but the citizens and visitors must do their part in looking after their personal security. The police have their role to play in the safety of the nation but they too cannot do all.
No one should hold the government to ransom because it is clear from what was reported that there was slackness.
As a security expert I am in full support for the increased security at the Magistrates’ Courts around the country and this should have been done a very long time. Instead of being proactive they have become reactive.

The security measures at the courts should be physical and electronic, with written guidelines for the public to adhere to. I am not too familiar with the physical layout of all the courts, but I have seen some of the Magistrates’ Courts and I have looked at the physical security and have made comparisons with the security of the courts in Barbados.

The judicial officials must be protected against acts of violence; however, in a society like Guyana it is very difficult to provide security on a 24-hour basis for such officials. I am not in support for stationed security at magistrates’ homes because you are now formulating the wrong impression to the general public. You are creating a situation where members of the public who have suffered from violent crime do not get police protection.

Are magistrates to be provided personal security to and from work and during their leisure time? Are the Registrar of the Supreme Court, DPP and Judges’ homes being provided with 24-hour security?
My view is that magistrates should install electronic security system in their homes, which will detect an intruder and the occupants of the house could activate the alarm which will notify the monitoring station that something unusual is happening.
The police can pay visits to the homes of the judicial officials when on patrol and this should be done day and night.

Having seen the photo of the magistrate’s home in the newspapers, the environmental design, which is critical in implementing any physical security measures, appears to be adequate.
The bandit was fully aware of it and because of the design it would be difficult for him to carry out his criminal action during the day. However, a lack of security on the part of the magistrate might have resulted in the bandit taking the opportunity to gain entry.
Morris Springer

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