LUCEA, Hanover — With a 30 per cent reduction in murders since the start of the year, the Hanover police will be rolling out several initiatives that they hope will keep the numbers low. Their plans involve working closely with residents and relying heavily on conflict resolution.

“We are looking at revamping the youth clubs, the neighbourhood watches, effective policing within the communities, and building back the bond with the citizens on different levels. Our stakeholders — like the chamber of commerce, the different groupings that have persons who are productive and want to see better for the parish — those are the persons that we want to attach ourselves to and work to achieve our major objectives,” officer in charge of the Hanover Police Division, Superintendent Ian Mowatt told the
Jamaica Observer as he outlined plans for the rest of the year.

He said that while it has been difficult to revive existing youth clubs, the police have no intention to form new ones.

“As recent as Sunday last week a meeting was held to reform the police youth club council in Hanover, but we are having a challenge in terms of turnout. We will continue with the efforts and also publicise it a bit more before we start again. We see it as an effective way to harness the youths in the community, [tap into] their potential and get them together, have them on a path that they can become good members of society and not become a part of the criminal gangs,” said the senior officer.

He pointed out that youth clubs have been effective in the past. For now, he said, the Green Island Police Youth Club which was relaunched in March of last year is the only active club in the parish.

Mowatt, who took over from Superintendent Sharon Beeput approximately six months ago, stressed that the police are unable to achieve its objectives alone.

“What is critically important is that persons have to realise that we do not have all the resources at our disposal. Where we fall short, that is where the citizens can help us — and not in terms of material resources but certainly in terms of guiding our strategy and that can only come through communication,” explained the senior officer.

He added: “Instead of us putting our resources somewhere in a community that really doesn’t need it, by communicating with us, you can let us know where we really need to be. These initiatives, as simple as it may seem, will reap some magnificent reward; but the citizens must see that they can benefit from it.””

Statistics from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) have shown that between January and March 1, Hanover recorded seven murders in comparison to 10 for the same period last year.

Like other parishes, gang activity and scamming have contributed to the murder rate in the parish.