Crime-fighting policing strategies must reflect the policies of elected officials, according to Shadow Public Safety Minister Michael Scott.Mr Scott told The Royal Gazette that many of the necessary crime-fighting policies are already in place, but there’s no guarantee that they will be implemented by the police because of Bermuda’s Constitution, which places responsibility for internal security in the hands of the Governor.When in Government, the Progressive Labour Party had a two-pronged approach, “prevention and an assault on criminal assets”, Mr Scott said.“As Government, we called for interruption of gangs strategies particularly to prevent gangs gaining footholds in our community sports grounds.“We called for a greater police presence — this was constantly pushed by then MP Ashfield DeVent — and interrupting the rhythm of criminal activity.”Anti-money laundering legislation such as the Proceeds of Crime Act, introduced by the PLP, could be used to go after criminal assets, Mr Scott continued.“If we go after the money, the alternative economy in drugs, and now guns, will be effectively inhibited or hobbled. These prevention arrangements are in place but are these laws being used by the police?”Mr Scott stressed that he fully supported Police Commissioner Michael DeSilva and his management team who are facing unprecedented challenges.“Like all Commissioners of the 60s, 70s and 80s, each had unique and grave crises whether the Belco riots, the assassinations and murders, now it’s the proliferation of gun executions.“I know that the Commissioner sets his operational course to effect what he believes will work for public safety but under Section 62 of the Constitution, reserve powers of the Governor include national security and the police.“The Commissioner is exclusively responsible for crafting operational policing direction and, under the Constitution, is answerable to the Governor who has constitutional authority for the police.”He continued: “I think the question raised by our present arrangement is clear: are the policy aims for public safety — as supported and underpinned by legislation that the elected Government pass — enforced as part of operational policing? Is the Commissioner’s own model of operational policing prosecuted? Is there a conflict?“Finally, whose policy is affording the citizen effective public safety?“What is clear is that the hopes and expectations of the citizen for safety rest primarily on law enforcement. This is just normal in all democracies and so accountability is a prime consideration.”Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley said he fully supported the Police Commissioner’s priorities.“The Commissioner has set the BPS’ crime fighting priorities as guns, gangs, drugs and violence. This is fully supported by the Government and the results are borne out over the last few years.“There have been several convictions, long sentences for violent offences, supported by thoroughly investigated crimes.“There is always more work to be done and the role of the Government is to support the Police in this strategy and work closely with the Commissioner and the Governor to ensure the safety of Bermuda’s people,” Mr Dunkley said.