The way that police officers patrol the Paramin community will be revised to improve its interactions and impact, senior officers of the Western Division have announced.
The disclosure was made by Senior Superintendent of Police (Ag.), Western Division, Sean Henry, at a town meeting yesterday at the Paramin Roman Catholic Primary School, Paramin, Maraval.
In response to residents who lamented over the “lack of interactions and engagements” with the police patrols in the areas, Snr Supt (Ag.) Henry admitted that he too has observed this type of behaviour, not only within his district, but even nationally.
He said these occurrences are far removed from the vision and strategic plan of the organisation whose thrust is public trust and confidence and in ensuring that communities are much safer.
The Divisional Commander immediately acted and advised the Inspector of the Maraval Police Station, Dale Raymond, to review the patrol strategy and ensure that the interactions were much more meaningful.
He urged the residents to provide feedback to his office if they do not see a noticeable change within the next six months.
Meanwhile, residents praised the police for being in the area, particularly at its tourism sites which they said boosted foot and mobile traffic and contributed positively to the local economy.
They however redirected the police’s attention to the issues of praedial larceny, home invasions, car breakings, loitering and poor feedback from police.
While the senior officers revealed that there were suspects who were arrested and charged for some of the offences raised, Inspector Raymond agreed that they can improve on how they provide feedback to citizens.
The Insp said an action plan is underway to enhance the supply of timely updates to citizens and to remedy some of the issues raised. His officers are also in the early stages of implementing its Station Council, a platform that encourages stakeholders to contribute to the way their local police administer its services to the community.
The senior officers underscored to the residents of the close-knit community that some of the crimes were propagated by those among them, and to achieve greater success in stemming offences, they must partner with the police.
Also present at the meeting were Assistant Superintendents of Police, Naim Gyan and Owie Russell, and other middle managers within the Division.