Howell Gillett Keeps Faith Despite Rough Welcome

And caught in the Mayflower and Deputy Commissioner Williams crossfire was new Officer in Charge of Eastern Division South Howell Gillett. He was on the meet and greet today – but he says he will not be deterred from carrying out the community policing activities because of high tensions in the community. Howell says he is determined to implement programs to help the residents of the community – but he understands that the wounds are fresh and they are only reacting off of raw emotions. Although some residents refused to engage the O.C., he says that today’s exercise was not a failure.

Howell Gillett

Sr. Supt. Howell Gillett, O.C., Eastern Division South

“In my view the meet and greet session, albeit it, there was some loud voices, I believe it successful because the police is in great numbers and we have the support of the media to bring out what was. The negativity will always be there. There are some people who see the glass half empty, we see it half full. So, with time the relationship with this community and the police will be up. We will start by helping them with some cleaning up in this area. It is obvious that we have to change the aesthetics especially to the approach here and I believe after we have done a few things in the community they will see the police in a different light.”

Reporter

“Some of the residents are saying earlier that they are not angry with the Police officers, their anger is really towards the GSU Unit. Has there been any discussion, as to how that situation will be handled?”

Sr. Supt. Howell Gillett

“Well, where we can minimize the presence of the GSU especially in this area, we will try our very best. But the public has to remember that the GSU is specialized in certain areas and if we need to enlist their support, then it is something that we have to do. But if in the very near future or the interim, if we don’t have to use them in this community for any meaningful reason then we will just go ahead and do so.”