Several residents of Newlands and surrounding areas of Portmore, have expressed great joy at the launch of a community-based police programme.

The function, held at the Jamaica Beverages complex in Naggo Head, saw hundreds of people, led by Mayor Keith Hinds and Member of Parliament Fitz Jackson, in attendance. The aim of the programme is for the police to have more social intervention in the community.

mutual respect

Commissioner of Police, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, lauded effort of persons, who made the programme a reality. He told the gathering, however, that for this method to work, there must be mutual respect and trust between the police and those whom they serve.

"Not because it's community-based policing, then it means that persons can break the law as they please. It is simple, if you are caught with a gun, you will be arrested. If you injure somebody, you will be arrested, and whatever other illegal acts that you commit, you should be charged, although it's community-based," he said.

He said although Jamaicans have become used to hardcore policing, the time has come for change as the model has proven a great success in other jurisdictions .

welcomed the gesture

Several persons, who spoke with THE PORTMORE STAR, welcomed the gesture. "I think we have lost love and the community-based policing will help to change the philosophy and, with time, the place will change for better," said Custos Sophia Azan.

Her views were echoed by Suzette Angus, a resident. "I think it is the right step and I hope that the police and the residents can work to make it better," she said.

Operations Officer for St. Catherine South police, Deputy Superintendent Clive Blair, said with the new initiative, the police are hoping to get some success in its fight against crime. Simply put, he said he hoped the method would work in Newlands and other areas.