J.P.s to issue tickets

In November a group of Justices of the Peace and court commissioners got together to try and assist the community in the fight against crime. This month the temporary leaders of that association and the Attorney General Dickie Bradley reported back to members and gave them added responsibilities, reminded them of the duties they already have, and elected officers. J.P. Adrian “Danny” Madrid told News Five the members will establish a hotline to report children who are not in school as well as give tickets for littering or illegal parking.

Adrain “Danny” Madrid, Vice President

“In the country we have over a thousand Justices of the Peace and I must say that because of lack of information, because of lack of education, a lot of Justices of the Peace do not know their authority; they do not know what they should do. So this association was formed to get Justices of the Peace involved so they know what they should be doing. At this meeting held on the twentieth we had over 200 members attending so it was not big but it was good for the first meeting.

And not all Justices of the Peace will do what government is asking because this is a voluntary thing but if we should make our society healthier less crime, then it is the responsibility of the Justices of the Peace to do it. So it is like we are asking Justices of the Peace to serve as truant officers and be allowed to issue tickets. So they will not be going out there looking for people, if they are out there and they see it being done then yes, they can issue tickets.”

At Saturday’s meeting at the Holy Redeemer Parish Hall, Tom Greenwood was elected president of the Association of J.P.s and Commissioner. He will be supported by a thirteen member council which includes Adrian “Danny” Madrid, Elizabeth Matute, Barbara Miller and representatives from all the districts. Madrid says the association will also be monitoring its members to ensure that they are offering their services to the public free of charge. He says all J.P.s will also be given an official seal and must identify themselves by a sign at their homes or place of business. A directory will also be published to help the public locate J.P.s when they need them.