MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Anxious to improve dialogue between police and citizens, two top achievers at Northern Caribbean University (NCU) recently initiated a communication workshop for police in Area 3 (Manchester, St Elizabeth and Clarendon).

Forty-two police personnel in the three parishes received certificates for their participation in the one-day workshop, which gained high praise from Assistant Commissioner of Police Derrick Knight who heads Area 3.

Workshop conceptualisers, fourth-year students Janiel Lambert and Jevon Minto of NCU’s Department of Communication, decided on their project after being awarded the prestigious ‘Burgundy Jacket’ for 2013-2014.

The ‘Burgundy Jacket’ is earned based on the candidates’ academic performance, ability to communicate coherently, fluently, and demonstrate exemplary involvement in the university and community, NCU authorities said.

Having achieved the award, among the requirements is that awardees execute a community project and assist in the planning of a communication symposium, held annually.

Minto told Jamaica Observer Central that the worrying communication and relationship challenges facing citizens and the police inspired the workshop, which bore the theme “Transforming communities through communication”.

A written outline of the workshop noted that: “When one takes into consideration the various ramifications that are associated with (communication between police and residents) it is obvious that something ought to be done about it. Placing an emphasis on communication will foster a harmonious relationship between police personnel and citizens…,”

Knight said that NCU’s hosting of the event was timely as complaints come “fast and furious” about the interaction of police officers with members of the public.

He said that effective communication was important not only during work but in other business relationships and in an individual’s personal life.

Media practitioners Irvin Forbes and Judith-Ann Bodley were among the presenters on various communication-related issues.

“I would say to you as I would wish to say to Jamaicans on a whole, let us try and master the English language as much as possible…,” Forbes told members of the constabulary.

He said mastery in the use of language was important even in cases where the police were very effective at their core duties.

Bodley emphasised the importance of service to the best of one’s ability.

“As Jamaicans… more of us (need to) get to the place where we understand that all we are doing is a service… (despite) the various (careers) that we have branched off into….,” said Bodley who also lectures at NCU.

Minto told the Observer Central that the police officers were randomly selected for the day’s event and the hope is for the knowledge to be shared and applied in the various police divisions.