Superintendent Martin Bayliss - file

Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator

His first day on the job as the commanding officer for the New Kingston Police Post almost turned into a nightmare when thieves broke into his car and stole an attach case with all his important documents, among other personal items.

Although he later got back his belongings, the horrifying experience has prompted Superintendent Martin Bayliss to implement stringent measures to tackle the spate of break-ins, drug peddling, prostitution and robberies in the New Kingston area.

"Things are much better now compared to when I went there 13 months ago. There are less prostitutes and drug peddlers in the area," the newly promoted superintendent told The Gleaner.

One of his major achievements was the removal of several street boys from the roadside.

"I was able to get financial help and counselling for them. I felt very happy when I looked at the changes in their lives," said Supt. Bayliss.

Unlike the officers assigned to the Traffic Division, who have to be out on the street ensuring that motorists adhere to the rules, Supt. Bayliss would sit behind his desk and ticket unruly taxi operators.

Good relationship

"Once they (taxi operators) breach the law, I don't have to go and look for them, they just come down to the station the following day for us to prosecute them. In spite of that, we and the taxi dri-vers have a very good relationship," said Supt. Bayliss.

After spending about 14 months at the New Kingston Police Post, Supt. Bayliss was rewarded for a job well done when he was promoted in February. Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas also gave him a new and bigger assignment, to take command of the Manchester Police Division.

He should have assumed his new post on March 5, but members of the business community begged him to hold on until after the ICC Cricket World Cup. On Tuesday he said goodbye to the New Kingston community.

Among his plans for Manchester are to increase the number of policemen on the streets and address the traffic problem in Mandeville. He will also be implementing community policing strategies to improve the relationship between the police and residents.

"I deal with people as people, and if they don't comply, then I prosecute them," said Supt. Bayliss.