Dickson C. Igwe. Photo: VINO/File

Any investigator who skims over information, treating data as something that is unimportant or not worth bothering about, is not worth his paycheck.

Data in today’s world is the crucial element in preventing and solving crime. In a world driven by cell phones, computers, AI, data centres, surveillance cameras, digital technology, and technology of every type, turning that information into knowledge is the key element in deterring and preventing serious crimes such as murder and terrorism.

In a Virgin Islands, which has become a crucible of unsolved murders, data is the key to solutions.

One can only wonder. The UK’s MI5 and Israel’s MOSSAD are two key players in global intelligence. One would have thought that MI5 would have been assisting the Virgin Islands in the effort to solve what is clearly a national crisis and tragedy.

Delving into the hypothesis, a secret intelligence unit is set up in an unknown location on the island. Its sole purpose is the adoption of data analysis for the use of various law enforcement agencies. It assesses and recruits various characters who can act as informants and local spies.

It receives information of a local gang of armed scooter bandits from the careless talk of one of these characters. It places a number of these bandits under surveillance of the stealthiest kind.

It taps into the cell phones of these bandits and learns of a hit on a bar in Hunthum’s Ghut. As the armed bandits ride into the venue, they are swiftly apprehended by an armed unit of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.

Data preceded apprehension. A tragedy is prevented.