Dear Editor,

In recent times we have seen a number of reports on incidents of bad behaviour of individual police personnel which have reflected negatively on the Jamaica Constabulary Force. This, understandably, has elicited numerous comments in the media that tend to condemn the police.

On Saturday, September 12, 2015, I attended a health fair with an educational twist at the Stony Hill Primary School, which was hosted by the Stony Hill police. It was the brainchild of Assistant Superintendent of Police Tanisha Ellison, who has been assigned to the area over the past seven months. As a resident, and president of the Montgomery Citizens’ Association, I must register the satisfaction of many who were in attendance. The happy faces and many pleasing comments attested to the positive impact the event had on the community.

Among the many services offered were general checks, mammograms, and pap smears with support from the Jamaica Fire Brigade, Social Development Commission, Registrar General’s Department, Jamaica Cancer Society, Jamaica Defence Force, Lasco, and the CHASE Fund.

It was good to witness the interaction between the police and the hundreds of citizens of Stony Hill and its surrounding areas. This was community policing at a high level and ASP Ellison and her team deserve the highest commendation. In her closing remarks she reinforced the commitment of the police to the development of communities through partnership and if this event is replicated across the country it would go a far way in changing negative perceptions and enhancing the relationship between citizens and the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

Ralston Nunes

ralstonnunes@gmail.com