Police patrol cars parked outside the community centre in Kintyre,
St. Andrew where a command post has been set up to end a flare up of gun violence
which started two Fridays ago. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer
A POLICE post set up in the Kintyre community of St. Andrew seems to have had the desired effect of arresting a flare up of gun violence which claimed ten lives of several people over a two week period.
"The area is relatively calm at this time," Constable Rohan Ritchie, one of the policemen at the command post, told The Gleaner yesterday.
He said the police have been patrolling the area and were also seeking to collect information from citizens.
However, the information they have been able to garner from residents has been sketchy as many remain tight-lipped out of fear.
The policeman said the general support from the residents "has been overwhelming, particularly from the senior citizens (as) the presence of the police allows them to feel more secure."
The police command post was established after a spate of killings two Fridays ago and demands from residents and the Member of Parliament (MP) Joseph Hibbert, for one to be set up.
Inspector Edward Griffiths, sub-officer in charge of the command post said there were at least three foot patrols daily and three mobile patrols.
"The team consists of an average 30 men who sweep the community on a constant basis, specifically by carrying out 'spot checks in the area', search people and motor vehicles."
The command post was set up to help the police apprehend wanted men, search for guns, ammunition and drugs and to assure the citizens that they are safe.
However, the police team has yet to detain any suspects in connection with the shootings or recover any ammunition.
According to Inspector Griffiths, police investigators were hampered by poor lighting and bad conditions in some areas.
"Places that we would like to drive into- it's impossible and going on foot takes lot of time and the road is rough," he said.
In the meantime an inter-agency committee convened by the Peace Management Initiative (PMI) is also working along with residents of the area to broker a peaceful solution to the problem. The team consists of a social worker appointed by the PMI, a police officer and members of the community.
Inspector Griffiths said the post would remain in the area as long as necessary to maintain law and order in the community.
