As far as Assistant Superintendent of Police Christopher Rahming sees it, the fact that there were few crimes reported in relation to Spring Break activities is proof enough that a police initiative geared at protecting the college visitors worked wonderfully.
And there is only another week and a half to go before the Spring Break period official ends.
"So far because of our increased presence we have not had any great problems with Bahamians or residents molesting tourists," ASP Rahming reported on Wednesday.
"Most of the incidents involving spring breakers were among themselves and which related to fights and other sexual assaults which are currently under investigation."
As part of the police initiative launched this year, officers from ‘Operation Quiet Storm’, the Nassau Street Police Station, the police dog section, the force’s sexual offences section, and the criminal detective unit have been working along with police reservists.
"They are working directly with the spring break operation to educate and provide an awareness programme as it relates to the prevention of sexual offenses and other criminal activities that negatively affect tourists – in this case, spring breaks," ASP Rahming said
"This year we have also included members of the public in our meetings who are club owners, hotel managers and other recreational facility owners to discuss the role they needed to play in the safety and security of the visitors."
Spring break chaperones were also involved and security measures at the properties
throughout New Providence have intensified.
The Ministry of Tourism Spring Break programme started on February 24, with activities centred on the Western Esplanade in New Providence.
According to Stephen Wray, spring break coordinator in the Ministry of Tour ism, approximately 3,500 spring breaks were expected to participate in this year’s organized events on the island. But thousands more spring breakers were expected to visit Grand Bahama.
In addition to the Ministry of Tourism’s beach party, which is held Monday nights, students are able to participate in other activities at several nightclubs like Cocktails and Dreams, Club Waterloo, Senior Frogs, Club 601 and Nirvana (formerly known as Bahama Boom).
ASP Rahming said the special team of officers that was deployed to police the student programme activities continues to work "around the clock" to ensure that all beaches, nightclubs and other areas frequented by spring breakers are safe.
"There are a number of nightclubs where the students have been partying at and we have beefed up police presence at those establishments," ASP Rahming said.
"There is also increased foot patrol in the East Street area, Deveaux Street, Mackey Street and other side streets in those areas. The area from East and Bay streets to Fort Montagu Beach, including Paradise Island onto East Shirley Street and Bay Street [also have high police presence]."
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