"IT IS very clear that it is not possible to isolate the criminal minority unless there is a wide-ranging and deeper co-operation between the general citizenry of law-abiding persons and the security forces," National Security Minister Dr. Peter Phillips said yesterday.
He was addressing a special appreciation luncheon to recognise persons, who contributed to the success of the year-long 'Police Courtesy Week' activities.
The Minister underlined the importance of establishing an "excellent working relationship" between the public and the security forces.
Yesterday's function, which was hosted by the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) at the Police Officers Club in St. Andrew, was also used to recognise 19 Law and Order awardees, honoured by the police, during the series of courtesy weeks in the island's 14 parishes, for their contributions to the Jamaica Constabulary Force. Various divisional commanders were in attendance at the event.
During his remarks, Dr. Phillips congratulated all those who had conceived of and implemented the idea to expand the traditional Police Courtesy Week to activities that spanned the entire calendar year.
The Minister also urged members of the public to respect law and order, and encouraged members of the police force to exercise greater restraint with regards to the use of force in the execution of their duties.
"Any ill-considered act can rupture the fabric of goodwill built up over many years," Minister Phillips stated.
Oliver Clarke, chairman of the PSOJ's Standing Committee on National Security, who chaired yesterday's luncheon, remained adamant that there was an opportunity to build a close and mutually supportive relationship between the police and the community.
STRONG RELATIONSHIP
"I believe, by going to a number of fora that took place, that it is a way that we can rebuild the very necessary and strong relationship that should exist between a community and its local police force," Mr. Clarke said.
During his remarks, Commissioner of Police Francis Forbes announced that the total number of major crimes, except sexual offences, were down by nine per cent when compared to 2002 figures. Commissioner Forbes also drew parallels between the successful strategies employed by the New York City police and the work being done by the local police force.
"Divisional commanders, you can tell some of your critics out there, which includes members of your own staff, that the direction is the right one, and we may not accomplish our goals in a year or two, but we will reap success," Commissioner Forbes said.
Other speakers were Earl Jarrett, general manager of the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS), and Superintendent Lorna Wilson-Morgan of the Corporate Strategy Co-ordination Unit.
Police Courtesy Week was conceived in an effort to improve the trust and co-operation between the police and the public in each parish.
The programme was launched in December 2002 in St. Elizabeth and based on the success of that week of activities, continued in all parishes throughout 2003. At each event, the PSOJ/Gleaner Law and Order appreciation plaque was presented to a citizen or group who contributed the most to the promotion of law and order in each division. Nineteen awardees were selected for awards.
Police Courtesy Week activities were made possible by the support received from major sponsors such as The Gleaner Company Ltd., JNBS, the National Housing Trust, Red Stripe and a number of small companies such as the Police Co-operative Credit Union.
