THE group of police officers — some in suits, others in civilian clothing — arrived in Rose Town, one of Kingston’s toughest communities, at around 10:00 am Friday.

They chatted among themselves as they stood on the narrow road — most of it covered by overgrown vegetation.

It is not uncommon for police teams to be seen in this community, given its reputation for sporadic bouts of violence.

But on Friday, they were on a different mission.

Armed with shovels and building supplies, the police were in the area to help build a new house for 86-year-old Precious Smith who, at the time the Jamaica Observer visited, was not there.

“This is a JCF initiative, a project being spearheaded by Area 4 under the leadership of Assistant Commissioner George Quallo, and we are giving support from the high command,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Carl Williams.

“This is part of a wider project that we have undertaken in Rose Town to rid the community of gang activities,” Quallo told the Observer.

The police, while laying the foundation for the house, said that under the initiative, they have also carried out projects to help the vulnerable and indigent in other inner-city communities.

“Bring around the bucket while I prepare the cement,” ACP Quallo called out as he joined DCP Williams and DCP Glenmore Hinds.

The men all grabbed shovels and assisted the team of police officers working on the house.

Residents, who had approached the police about helping Smith, heaped praises on the cops.

“This is really a good thing the police doing in the area because we really need to build the relationship between police and citizens, especially in this community,” said Oneil Samuels, one of several residents who assisted in the initiative.

He was supported by Damion Mullings, another resident, who said he was impressed with what he saw.

The police said operations such as the one in Rose Town are part of their wider community policing initiative across the island.