XN000022-1973-02-13 — Page 14

Tuesday, February 13, 1973

fI want to make it clear here that the onus of crime prevention

It is a prime responsibility of this, and any

rests upon the Government.

administration, to ensure the safety of its population.

"As you know some measures have already been implemented, and

I know

I elaborated on those in the Legislative Chamber and the Attorney General

has since annnounced others. Others are now being formulated.

the Judiciary stands ready to play its constitutional part.

"But the brunt of the fight against crime is being borne with courage and devotion and considerable success by the regular police force, and it is

on this professional force that we principally depend. It is somewhat under

strength. One of the long-term remedies is to put this right, and also

to improve the quality of the force through the better conditions now being

offered, and by pre-service training in a police cadet school to open this

year. We will push on with all this. But it takes time to recruit and train

a regular; the process cannot be cut or skimped and meanwhile the problem

of crime cannot wait.

Massive Increase

"It is for this reason that I called for a massive increase in the

strength of the auxiliary police. The response of our young men has been

magnificent. Clearly they see an opportunity to serve and wish to take it.

The Commissioner and I are agreed that the very considerable operation involved in

the selection and training of these young volunteers must now be treated as a matter of top priority, and that by the middle of the year they should be

available for action to help our trained and expert regular force. This will

give us more muscle, more police presence, and more enthusiasm.

/"I also

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