Police take press on community visits
As part of Police Week, members of the press have been invited to accompany officers on what we are told are their regular duties in the area of community relations. While we cannot vouch for what they do when out of the glare of publicity, this morning’s performance provided evidence that the cops are at least holding their own in the battle for the public’s hearts and minds.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
Today’s heat may not have been the ideal climate to conduct a foot exercise, but when it comes to solving crime our law enforcement officers must be ready to work under any conditions. The police men and women visited a number of areas they consider to be hotspots to meet with the residents to listen to their concerns and discuss how both parties can work together to make city neighbourhoods safer.
Cpl. Natalie Castillo, Leader, Community Policing Group
“We visited the Vernon Street area, the Cemetery Road area, Queen Square Market area and the George Street area.”
Jacqueline Woods
“I noticed as part of the exercise you have been speaking with the residents, what have you been telling them?”
Cpl. Natalie Castillo
“We have been explaining to them that we are not their enemies, we are their friends and that we are out here to gain their support again for this year, because without them, the police cannot work for themselves.”
In some areas the police were met with mixed emotions, but overall they have been encouraged by the response from the community.
Leoni Harris, Resident, Plues Street
“It’s very essential, it’s very essential indeed.”
Jacqueline Woods
“So you feel more secure?”
Leoni Harris
“I feel more secure, yes because I am washing and you know sometimes they can come through the back you know like that and you don’t know what can happen.”
Cpl. Natalie Castillo
“Some of them are saying that whenever they call the police they responded late and things like that. And I try to advise them and tell them, well now we are well equipped with vehicles and so when they call now they will get quick response.”
The exercise is just one of many taking place to observe police week.
Supt. David Henderson, Coordinator, Community Policing
“We target most of the hot areas, the areas where a number of crimes normally occur and an area where the police meet difficulties. But I can really say that at this time the people are really receptive to the police and apparently the time is changing.”
That seems to be the case on Mayflower Street. Once considered a haven for notorious criminals, the area has calmed down considerably, although the police still include it as one of their regular stops. Superintendent of Police, David Henderson, and a team of officers went into the location this morning to speak with the residents.
According to Cynthia Goff, it may have taken sometime, but today she feels far more comfortable at home.
Cynthia Goff, Resident, Mayflower Street
“Well right now I noh see nothing wrong, because most of the boys them weh used to deh round the area come from different place and they do their things and then they run behind yah like this dah the hideout, because you have a lot ah mangrove and things. Well now that the place clear down, I noh see nobody with any violence or anything, they all behave their selves according to weh I see.”
The work is far from over, but the police contend that once there is a good working relationship between them and the public they will continue to see a decline in crime. Jacqueline Woods for News 5.
Henderson says at the end of the exercise they will look at the various concerns and recommendations made by the residents and see what measures can be used in their ongoing fight against crime. Although the exercise was held as part of Police Week, community policing is conducted on a weekly basis by the department’s Zone Beat Liaison Officers.
