May 23, 2025 – Kingstown:
The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) has received a significant technological boost in its crime-fighting efforts with the donation of a dot peen marking machine from the Organization of American States (OAS).
The official handover took place on Thursday, May 22, 2025, during a brief ceremony at the Police Headquarters conference room. The equipment was presented by Ms. Diana Browne, Administrative Technician at the OAS, and accepted on behalf of the RSVGPF by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Frankie Joseph.
A dot peen marking machine is a precision tool that engraves permanent identification marks on metal and hard surfaces. It allows for the secure tagging of firearms, tools, and other assets, enhancing traceability, accountability, and forensic tracking—all key pillars of modern policing and national security.
This donation is part of a broader regional initiative under the Inter-American Convention Against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms (CIFTA), supported by the OAS. It is designed to improve the RSVGPF’s capacity to mark, register, and trace firearms, thereby disrupting illegal arms flows and supporting evidence-based investigations.
Deputy Commissioner Joseph expressed his appreciation, stating:
> “This machine will help us better manage and track firearms within our jurisdiction, strengthening our ability to fight crime and protect our communities.”
With this addition to its forensic toolkit, the RSVGPF continues to strengthen its operational readiness and law enforcement capabilities in line with international best practices.
