HEAD OF the community relations department of the Black River Police Station, Clyde Ramsey, says that young people in St. Elizabeth have been responding positively to the efforts of his department in various communities in the parish.
Speaking in an interview with The Gleaner on Monday, Inspector Ramsey said that there are 20 police youth clubs in St. Elizabeth, with more than 10 per cent of them being fully active. He said that currently 20 young people from the Middle Quarters police youth club are in training at the Culloden Vocational Training Centre in White House, Westmoreland learning pastry making skills.
"The community relations aspect of the St. Elizabeth Police division (community policing) has been working quite well and the young people are responding positively. I think this is one of the reasons why we have such low crime rate in the parish," Mr. Ramsey said. "We intend to strengthen the consultative committees, as well as all the police youth clubs throughout the entire parish."
Inspector Ramsey who has been in charge of community relations department for the past 10 years, also noted that he was pleased with the contribution his office has been able to make over the years.
"It has changed lives, it has helped many youths to see their true potential. In spite of some minor difficulties in reaching all the youths in the area. We do not intend to give up," he said.
He said that among the areas where youth clubs were established were Black River, Arlington, Middle Quarters, Santa Cruz, Lacovia, Siloah, Holland, New Market and Malvern.
