ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — Even as St Elizabeth police chief Superintendent Coleridge Minto has assured citizens of safety and security in the southern parish during the festive season, the security leader and his team were on Tuesday commended for outstanding community outreach especially during Christmas.

Minto, the head of the St Elizabeth police division, while on a walk through in Santa Cruz was approached by several citizens who lauded the annual ‘Shop with a Cop’ initiative.

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“When you look and you see Mr Minto in the place working along with the citizens we feel happy about that and everywhere he goes he makes his name as an officer,” said Karen Jack, an educator at Pepper Primary in St Elizabeth.

Reverend Arthur Grant shared similar sentiments.

“I keep saying since the storm that we have felt the presence of the police the warm side of them… thank you for the service you are giving,” he told Superintendent Minto.

The police chief said more emphasis is now placed on Santa Cruz and Junction to safeguard citizens in both commercial areas.

“We are going to be here right throughout the festive season to ensure that people can come into commercial district and shop in a safe and free environment… as you know Black River was damaged during Hurricane Melissa so a number of people who live on the west part of the parish will be coming up to this section between Junction and Santa Cruz,” said Minto.

“We have a large contingent of officers in Santa Cruz at this time to ensure that the presence is here and law and order is maintained,” he added.

Councillors for the Pedro Plains and Santa Cruz divisions, Karl Whyte and Christopher Williams also lauded the St Elizabeth police.

— Kasey Williams