Recognizing the critical importance of close community-Police relations, the Jamaica Constabulary Force is on a concerted drive to revitalize the Neighbourhood Watch programme across the island.

This from Assistant Commissioner of Police Palmer, who told the Relaunch of the Elmwood terrace Neighbourhood Watch that the Constabulary had been mandated to activate a number of Neighbourhood Watch programmes by the end of the current
Fiscal year, and said the Force was moving assiduously toward this, with some 10 new Neighbourhood Watch groups to be commissioned before the end of March.

The ceremony was held at the residence of labour Minister and community member Hon Pearnel Charles.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Member of parliament for West Rural St Andrew, Hon Andrew Gallimore urged the residents to build closer relationships amongst each other and also with the Police “Give criminals no comfort”, he said. “By each one looking out for the other, you can spot suspicious activity more quickly and thus help the Police to respond more efficiently.”

The MP pointed to the fact that with political boundaries shifting ahead of the next general elections, Elmwood and the surrounding area would now fall in the adjoining West St Andrew constituency. Nonetheless, he assured the residents that he would continue to support their efforts as a community and make himself available when needed.

The meeting also heard from several other senior police officers who each emphasized the need for closer community-Police relations, even in the face of decreasing crime figures nationally. Formed in the 1980s, the Elmwood terrace group was among the pioneer Neighbourhood Watch groups, but had over the years become significantly less active.

Contact: Michael Edwards; 588-0947; emxgroup@gmail.com