The Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) has announced a strengthened, intelligence-led approach to tackling gun violence, illegal firearms and serious crime amid growing concern over shootings in the country.

The Force outlined the measures during a press conference at Central Police Station, where Acting Commissioner of Police Trevor Bailey, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Junior O. Simmons and Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Brenton Smith addressed the public on Thursday.

St Vincent and the Grenadines has recorded over 30 murders for 2026.

A key part of the new approach is the appointment of Smith to oversee the Force’s Crime portfolio, with responsibility for intelligence, illegal firearms, investigations, accountability and the deployment and support of police personnel.

Bailey said the Force would not accept gun violence becoming normalised in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“We will not normalize gun violence,” he said.

The Acting Commissioner acknowledged the fear and grief caused by shootings and the wider impact on victims, families and communities.

Under the revised command structure, Bailey will set the Force’s strategic direction, while Simmons will be responsible for translating that strategy into coordinated policing operations. Smith will lead the Crime portfolio.

The police said the strengthened response will include improved intelligence gathering and analysis, targeted operations, increased police visibility, firearm interdiction, stronger supervision and greater cooperation between departments and external agencies.

Simmons said police resources would be deployed based on intelligence, crime patterns and identified risks.

This could include targeted operations, lawful searches, warrants, checkpoints and increased patrols in areas where such measures are considered necessary.

“Our objective is not simply to respond to crime. Our objective is to prevent crime, protect lives, restore confidence and make our communities safer,” Simmons said.

He stressed that stronger enforcement would not mean indiscriminate policing, with officers expected to operate lawfully, fairly and professionally while respecting human rights.