The Bermuda Democratic Alliance yesterday unveiled its platform on crime — including the creation of anti-gang legislation, greater use of technology such as CCTV, and tougher drunk driving laws.

The Alliance says it would deter gang involvement by increasing social programmes such as expanding youth centres, and educating and maintaining open dialogue with young people.

And as the tension over policing responsibilities between Government and the Governor continues, BDA pledged another of its strategies would be to "foster a working relationship with Government House to ensure efficient policing".

The fledgling party called a press conference at Jubilee Park in North Street, a back-of-town area at the heart of the gang-related troubles which have plagued the Island.

MP Mark Pettingill said the Alliance's platform on crime would also:

• modernise the Criminal Code Act of 1909 to provide a clear working piece of legislation covering all laws related to crime;

• provide for electronic monitoring of high-risk offenders and videotape Police interviews;

• introduce legislation to set up community crime watches;

• improve communication between Police and the prosecution service;

• review alternatives to traditional incarceration to expand opportunities for rehabilitation and re-education;

• strengthen education and mental health services.

Earlier this week, Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Wright told the Bermuda Sun legislation outlawing gang membership had proved ineffective in the Cayman Islands, where there had been no prosecutions since it was introduced five years ago.

Yesterday, Mr. Pettingill said Bermuda should research other jurisdictions' experiences with anti-gang legislation, telling The Royal Gazette: "The community seems to be crying out for it; it does exist in other places."

The defence lawyer and former prosecutor told the press conference: "There is no doubt that the causes of crime are complex and that there is no magic solution for the reduction of crime.

"However we don't believe that progress can be made by simply responding to these issues on a piecemeal basis.

"There are actions we can take today to improve the safety of our communities and there are other long-term steps, which may take years before results are realised — but nevertheless we must act now."

Premier Ewart Brown has repeatedly demanded control over policing, currently the responsibility of Governor Sir Richard Gozney; meanwhile Sir Richard says Government continues to refuse his offer of a regular forum on crime. Mr. Pettingill said yesterday: "The fact of the matter is that the Governor has constitutional control of the Police Force. We believe that the Governor is prepared to work with the Government. That's what we need to do."

He said BDA would impose a review of drunk driving legislation which could result in a lowering of the alcohol limit and introduction of roadside tests.

In countries such as Germany, the road death rate has been reduced by issuing penalties such as a month's salary for drunk drivers — increasing the deterrent for wealthier people, said Mr. Pettingill.

BDA has previously stated its desires to better use technology, and claims it presented the idea of electronically monitoring criminals to Government, which later announced it in the Throne Speech.

The Alliance is hosting an open forum on crime prevention at Penno's Wharf, St. George's, at 8 p.m. today. Mayor Kenneth Bascome and Chamber of Commerce representatives will be in attendance.