While insecurity is seriously increasing in the country with the persistence of the phenomenon of kidnapping, the Director General of the Haitian National Police, Frantz Elbé, was satisfied during the presentation of his report after his first 6 months at the head of the institution. This report shows 4,998 arrests for kidnapping, armed robbery, homicide, rape, criminal association among others.
234 firearms were also seized as well as 21 vehicles, 25 kilos of cocaine, 658 kilos of marijuana and a boat in the fight against drug trafficking.
Regarding the terror imposed by the gangs on the population of the cul-de-sac plain, Frantz Elbé informed that the police are very active on the ground. He reported 54 arrests, the confiscation of 16 firearms and 7 vehicles while 3 police officers were injured during operations to put the thugs out of action. He reiterated in the process the willingness of his administration to continue its efforts in the fight against gangs.
Several cases of kidnapping have been reported in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, the PNH boss dared to speak of a considerable decrease in kidnapping during the month of April, indicating that the police are engaged in a permanent battle against armed bandits.
By way of comparison, the Center for Analysis and Research in Human Rights, in its latest report, indicated that 225 cases of kidnapping were recorded in the country during the first three months of the year 2022. This is an increase of 58.45% compared to the same period last year. The CARDH pointed out that kidnappers are now holding hostages longer, estimating the average time between one month and 15 days.
The Director General of the PNH has meanwhile confirmed the kidnapping of eight foreign nationals and three Haitian compatriots on Sunday, May 8, 2022 in the commune of Croix-des-Bouquets.
The rehabilitation of several buildings of the national police in the Grand Sud and in the Western Department is also part of the assessment of Frantz Elbé. On this point, however, he was unable to provide details on the resumption of service at the police stations of Cité Soleil, La Saline, and Martissant, which were left behind by the criminals.
In the case of Martissant, the Director General of the PNH called for patience, stressing that the police will soon find a way to put the thugs away, while promising to reinforce the presence of the institution in the plain to chase away the thugs and guarantee the security of the population.
To face the phenomenon of abandonment at the level of the PNH, Frantz Elbé said that his administration is working with the government for a better accompaniment of law enforcement officers. He mentioned risk bonuses for police officers who fight armed gangs while calling for better supervision of officers to avoid serial abandonment at the PNH.
At the same time, Frantz Elbé reported that 1013 police officers and 174 civilian employees have been dismissed, the majority for abandonment.
The Director General of the National Police, Frantz Elbé announced in the wake, the creation soon of a cooperative at the level of the national police among other measures to improve the working conditions of police officers.
Talks are underway with officials of financial and technical institutions including the governor of the central bank on the establishment of this structure informs the head of the PNH.
On the issues related to the participation of bandits recruited to fight alongside law enforcement officers during special operations, the PNH boss did not provide any details. It seems that this is a sensitive issue. When will there be total control of the capital? When will the phenomenon of kidnapping end? The solution is still pending.