Crime and policing was the theme of the latest Estoi International Rotary Club meeting held on June 2 with David Thomas, a policing and security consultant resident in the Algarve, speaking at the event.
David Thomas gave a presentation to members, which included details regarding recent crime trends, public perception of policing and the ways in which the police in the region are working to tackle crime in the Algarve.
Meanwhile, an outline of a police Community Engagement Plan, created by David Thomas and submitted to the Civil Governor, was also shown to members.
Members were told by David Thomas that the level of crime in the Algarve had appeared to stabilise during 2009.
“However, there is still much to be done,” he said.
“I welcome the recent initiatives such as Global Positioning Systems (GPS) being installed in police vehicles, closer interaction between the police forces and private security companies and increases in the number of police officers.”
He added: “All of these initiatives are part of some 30 recommendations that have been outlined in the plan which has been sent to the Civil Governor.”
While efforts by the authorities have been noted and praised by the security expert, initiatives started by local Algarve residents were also welcomed by David Thomas.
“Residents who have been working with the police to develop individual neighbourhood watch schemes and secure residents programmes should be welcomed, especially the secure residents programme which improves police response to emergencies.”
He continued: “Although technological improvements, including the use of CCTV and GPS, have been important tools in tackling crime, of equal importance has been the full engagement by the civil and police authorities with the public.
“There is still more to be done in this respect in order to ensure that a comprehensive, integrated and well coordinated plan is in effect to combat crime in the region. This is of particular importance in relation to the increase in tourism levels expected in the coming months.”
David Thomas is due to meet with Isilda Gomes, the Civil Governor, to discuss the Community Engagement Plan and how various recommendations and initiatives can be carried forward in the future to make the Algarve a safer place to live and visit.
Do you have a view on this story? Please email Editor Inês Lopes at ines.lopes@theresidentgroup.com
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