Adrian Frater, News EditorWESTERN BUREAU: ACTING COMMISSIONER of Police Charles Scarlett, the commanding officer for the Area One police division, thinks the demand for accountability by human rights and social action groups is making policing in a democracy more complex.
"Policing in a democracy is becoming increasingly complex because a greater level of accountability is being demanded from state agents like members of the police service," said ACP Scarlett, while speaking at Tuesday's presentation ceremony for the newly refurbished Salt Spring Basic School, in St. James.
The senior lawman, who was instrumental in having the school refurbished in a joint venture arrangement between the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the CHASE Fund, further noted that the new demands have left the police with no choice but to become more creative and innovative in dealing with crime-plagued communities.
CHASE the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education- Fund was established by government to receive tax proceeds from the lottery businesses.
TRADITIONAL METHODS
"The traditional methods of policing can no longer be relied on as the only means of policing," ACP Scarlett continued. "Partnership has to be forged and developed with the community so that even as we target the few hard-core criminals, we need to put measures in place to see about the well-being of the youths and those youngsters at risk."
In further emphasising the need for law enforcement to work closely with troubled communities, Deputy Commissioner of Police Jevene Bent, who was also in attendance at the ceremony, said the nation's children need a safe environment to realise their fullest potential and communities must play a role in ensuring that this happens.
"Fear of crime will prevent development and people won't have jobs and children won't be able to attend school," DCP Bent told residents of the community, which has had a long history of criminality. "Don't let criminals take over your communities. You have a responsibility to provide your children with a safe environment."
BASIC SCHOOL PROJECT
The refurbishing of the Salt Spring Basic School was done from funds secured from the $20 million allocated to the JCF by the CHASE Funds through an initiative started by former Police Commissioner Francis Forbes back in 2002.
"We are delighted to be a part of this," said Bill Heaven, the CEO of CHASE Funds, in speaking to the repairs to the school, which now accommodates 98 children. "We have partnered the police on other projects like this and we will be doing many more in the near future."
