ST. THOMAS:
NEWLY-APPOINTED Superintendent of Police in St. Thomas, Warren Clarke, says improved community policing will be the focus of his plan to reduce the level of criminal activities in the parish.
Speaking with The Gleaner following a "meet and greet" function at the Anglican Church Hall in Morant Bay, Supt. Clarke said, "we intend to police with the co-operation of citizens. I intend to revitalise the zone command system in Yallahs, Morant Bay, Seaforth and Golden Grove." He said such plan would include zone patrols in these areas of command. "These patrols, we intend to have them on the ground at all times, with a minimum of four patrol cars, with logistical support from Morant Bay", he said.
The ground patrol, according to the Superintendent, will be backed up by officers on foot patrol and traffic patrols.
Asked about the manpower required to accomplish his objective, Supt. Clarke said there was enough to make an impact.
Efficient use of available resources would be the order of the day, he said..
As it relates to improving the confidence level between residents and the police, Supt. Clarke said the police would be meeting with the residents regularly to build up the confidence level. "The policy from the high command is for widely publicised community meetings, at least once per month to find out what their needs are, so that we can better fulfill those needs," the top St. Thomas cop said.
Supt. Clarke replaces Supt. Derrick Shand on January 8. Supt. Clarke was transferred from St. Mary, while Supt. Shand has been transferred to the Police Area 4 headquarters.
