By Glenroy Sinclair, Staff ReporterTHE ST. Andrew North police division is showing a 19 per cent decrease in major crimes.
Criminal deportees and ex-convicts are being closely watched by the police, while groups or gangs and community dons have been targeted, it was reported yesterday.
"The dons in this division have come under so much pressure, that one don in the Grants Pen area has run away. These dons must take the responsibilty for what happens in their communities," said the division's Commanding Officer, Deputy Superintendent Assan Thompson.
He attributes the success to their strategic crime plan, focusing on crime, community policing, traffic management and public disorder.
"We are now in the process of drafting a 60-day crime plan to achieve a further reduction in crime across the division," said Acting Deputy Superintendent Mevral Smith, the division's crime officer.
Since January, 35 persons have been killed in the division, nine more than the number killed in the corresponding period for last year. Shooting has decreased by 22 per cent and robbery by 26 per cent.
According to DSP Thompson, the division's intelligence capabilities have increased, based on existing partnership between the police and residents. He said the police have been playing an active role in Neighbourhood Watch programmes, youth clubs and other social and community programmes.
Apart from the implementation of public education programmes, finding jobs for unemployed youths, DSP Thompson said the police are focused on their Victim Support Programme.
"We are now writing to persons, updating them on the investigation of their respective cases," said Mr. Thompson.
With assistance from the private sector, the division has spent over US$10,000 to construct a first-class computer laboratory at the Irish Town Police Station, where residents have easy access to learning technology.
Executive director of the Kingston Restoration Company (KRC), Morin Seymour, spoke at length with the lawmen about the partnership of KRC and the police in inner-city communities.
"People with high motivation remain optimistic even when the score is against them. It is not difficult to understand how and why a motivation to achieve translates into strong leadership," said Mr. Seymour.
