Rasbert Turner, Portmore Star Writer

The St Catherine South police are trying to foster closer ties with the public, and have launched the Com-munity Beat programme to aid in this programme.

Head of Community Policing, Deputy Superintendent George McFarlane, told THE PORTMORE STAR the programme commenced in August this year and there are encouraging signs. "Since the formation of the programme, we have being getting calls from various communities, some of which are very helpful to the police, while others are just seeking to know more about how we operate,'' said DSP McFarlane.

better relationship

The programme is one where police personnel go into communities and distribute flyers that highlight the rights of citizens, and talk with them on how they can relate to the police for a better relationship.

McFarlane said the aim is to win the trust of the public, which is critical in the fight against crime.

''We are aware that the residents know more about their communities than the police, and if you can win their confidence then half the work is done, and that is why all departments are involved," McFarlane said.

mending bridges

The senior policeman said the programme is crucial to mending bridges between the police and the people.

He said that the formation of Community Beat was to have citizens working to reduce crime by giving guidance as to how the law can assist in this fight.

Mayor of Portmore Keith Hinds endorsed the initiative as being positive and the way forward.

''Whatever the police do to sensitise the citizenry of its right must get the full support of the municipality, so it is a welcome move that the law is educating the people on how it operates,'' Hinds told THE PORTMORE STAR.