KNOCKPATRICK, Manchester – Political and civic leaders in this south-central parish have commended police here for reduction in major crimes, including murder, and are calling on churches and communities to continue supporting law enforcement.

During his address on Sunday in Knockpatrick at the Manchester divisional church service and awards ceremony, head of the Manchester Police Division, Superintendent Shane McCalla said the police cleared 72 per cent of murders committed last year.

Forty-three people were killed in Manchester in 2023 compared to 61 in 2022.

“While we regret and empathise with those families that have lost loved ones through the monster of crime, I want to reassure you that the Manchester police, through our performance last year, have the capacity to deliver and serve you well,” said McCalla.

“All categories of major crimes last year have seen a significant reduction and that is because of the men and women standing here now. Thanks to them for their service, dedication and selflessness…” he added.

The police chief reiterated that he believes the fight against crime needs “divine intervention”.

“As we work to serve you better, what we require from you, brothers and sisters, is your continuous support through prayer. Last year we started the year with our divisional worship and this year we couldn’t start it anyway differently,” he said.

“You have to play your part to support the police. One thing I want to use this medium today is to ask the Church not to remain silent… We need to fast and pray. We have to make the scammers, the rapists, the murderers know that Manchester is not a [haven], because God is the captain of the ship,” added McCalla.

Custos of Manchester Garfield Green said the penalties of people who disobey the police or threaten the police should be increased. He pointed to a recent case in which an entertainer was fined following offences committed at an entertainment event.

“He was charged for four offences and those four offences attracted a fine totalling $6,000, and when I look at the efforts of the police to bring order, there clearly is a disparity between the efforts of the police and the fines,” said Green.

“I believe that if I were to threaten [the police] I should expect to face some heavy fines. We must respect our police officers, and if we don’t do it, how can we expect the criminals to respect them? Our justice system needs to work towards addressing these disparities if we are to build better communities. This will require the appropriate legislation to ensure that the consequences of illegal behaviour reflect the severity of the crime and its impact on society… We must come together and support the police force as they confront these challenges,” he added.

Jamaica Labour Party aspirant for the Knockpatrick Division Adeka Newsman also called on residents to support the police.

“It takes a collaborative effort to fight crime, not just the police, not just the Government, but we as citizens of this country must take a stand in fighting crime. We must fight to alienate criminal elements from around us,” he said.

People’s National Party aspirant for the Knockpatrick Division Karl Smith shared a similar sentiment.

“I am deeply appreciative of the unwavering dedication and commitment demonstrated by the members of the JCF [Jamaica Constabulary Force], particularly those within the esteemed Manchester Division. Your steadfast efforts, maintaining law and order, ensuring community safety and fostering positive relationships within our neighbourhoods do not go unnoticed,” he said.