St Catherine South police credit community support for crime reductions

Police in St. Catherine South are pointing to community cooperation and targeted operations as key factors behind reported declines in serious crime across the division over the past two years.

In a discussion on crime-fighting gains, the division was credited with a 68 per cent reduction in murders and a 63 per cent fall in shootings. The speaker said sustained progress depends on keeping close watch on the drivers of violence and maintaining partnerships with residents.

The remarks also linked the reduction to the removal of persons said to be fuelling disorder in the parish, whether through imprisonment or displacement from the area. Once those individuals are no longer active locally, the speaker said, crime levels are expected to ease.

The discussion placed strong emphasis on people-centred policing. The approach was described as one built on public consent, with officers encouraged to work alongside communities rather than simply police them. Residents, according to the speaker, have become less willing to tolerate crime and violence in their neighbourhoods, helping to strengthen the flow of information to the police.

Police engagement with communities was also presented as a way to improve service. The speaker said officers have created more opportunities to hear from residents, gather feedback and learn what communities expect from law enforcement.

The division was also said to be recording reductions of 27 per cent in robberies and 31 per cent in break-ins. Those gains were attributed to assessment-driven deployment, with police studying when robberies are happening and assigning personnel accordingly. Swift responses to calls from citizens were described as another factor helping to build public confidence and trust.