Hanover cops add religious component to crime fighting

WESTERN BUREAU:

The Hanover police have introduced a new religious component to their crime-fighting strategy, hoping it will further strengthen the bond with local communities while helping reduce serious crimes across the parish.

According to Superintendent Andrew Nish, the police commander for Hanover, the initiative – dubbed ‘Cherished Partnership with the Communities’ – is part of an ongoing effort to improve the relationship between the police and various communities in the area.

“It is fitting at this time that we get together and worship as we strive to reduce crime and violence within the communities of Hanover,” Nish said of the initiative, which has seen devotional exercises in the Lucea town square on Tuesday, following one in the Hopewell square in January.

On Tuesday, several residents were out in the morning sun in Lucea to join members of the police’s Community Safety and Security Branch (CSSB) in singing and offering praise. Some attendees were seen with umbrellas and broad-rimmed hats to shield themselves from the sun’s rays.

NEW STRATEGY ENCOURAGED

“This is something that the police should organise more often, or they should come to our churches in their numbers, so that young and old can be familiar with them and know them well enough to be fearless in giving them information,” an attendee, who identified herself only as Marlene, told The Gleaner.

Nish, who is serving his first stint as a parish commander, expressed his satisfaction with the two devotions held so far, and shared his excitement about the upcoming stagings.

“We started in Hopewell earlier, we are now in Lucea, we are going to take it to Green Island next, and then across to the other policing areas,” explained Nish, who expressed satisfaction with the level of attendance from community members.

“We are now experiencing a reduction in crime and violence, and we intend to gain even further [reductions], and these community initiatives should help in the process,” Nish told the attendees on Tuesday.

Up to March 29, Hanover had seen a 50 per cent reduction in murders, with only four cases so far this year. There was one fewer shooting, with seven incidents in 2025. Rape fell from seven cases in 2024 to three for the period this year, robberies went down from four to one, while break-ins were up by one, with seven cases this year. Overall, there has been a 33.3 per cent dip in major crimes in the parish this year.

Regarding the Green Island area, which was a hotspot for crime last year, Nish mentioned that the police have several initiatives planned to maintain peace this year. He also highlighted the commitment from various stakeholders to support the police in their efforts.

“They (stakeholders) have vowed to give it their all, and we are putting our shoulders to the wheel, ensuring that we dedicate our time, dedicate ourselves, and commit ourselves to the communities that we are serving,” said Nish.

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