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ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, April 2, 2020 (CMC) – The Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) announced, yesterday, that it will use drones, as part of the strategy to ensure people are not violating the 24-hour curfew that had been announced, earlier this week, in an attempt to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID 19).
The RGPF said that since the limited state of emergency (SOE) had been introduced, here, on March 25, at least 47 people have been arrested, on charges related to breaking the curfew, disregarding the social distancing measures and driving buses, filled with passengers.
Superintendent of Police, Vannie Curwen, told a news conference that the use of drone technology will strengthen the capability of the police in patrolling the island.
“Starting today, we are adding our drone capabilities to our law enforcement efforts. We will be using drones to assist law enforcement in our endeavours to ensure that the curfew is being abided by, and that citizens adhere to the advice given to them,” he said.
He urged citizens to obey the curfew and remain indoors, warning that tougher measures would be adopted against persons violating the regulations, linked to the SOE.
“We are, at the same time, stepping up on law enforcement engagement on the outside. We are becoming tougher in the way we handle violators of the regulations, and our arrest and patrolling is intensifying, as we go deeper into this period of the seven days. We urge you, please to stay home,” he said.
Police said 20 persons were arrested in the past 48 hours, for breaching the curfew or violating the social distancing protocol. Under the state of emergency law, persons can be fined EC$1,000 or jailed for 12 months for violating the provisions.
Curwen said that in general, people were complying with the regulations.
“We have seen very little movement of people, thus far, and if we continue to adhere to the advice to stay indoors, we have no doubt that Grenada will be spared the …sicknesses and diseases that we see in other countries,” he said.
