Shady Grove short of police, new sub-officer promises to cut crime

He has only four days' experience as the sub-officer in charge of the Shady Grove Police Station in the remote community of Lluidas Vale, St Catherine.

But already, Sergeant Oliver Johnson has identified an urgent need to have more men and women under his command, especially if he is to achieve his vision of reducing crime in the communities he serves.

Secondary for the veteran crime-fighter is the completion of the state-of-the-art police station, which has been under construction in the heart of the community for well over a year.

Currently operating from a cottage owned by the Lluidas Vale Primary School, Johnson and his staff complement of 13 also serve the larger areas of Point Hill, Kentish, Top Hill, Ty Dixon, in addition to a section of Ewarton.

"It is true that in any organisation, in any country, the number-one priority is the human resource. So yes, we definitely need more men," Johnson told The Gleaner yesterday, noting that there were persons who were on sick leave and departmental leave.

He was not alone in feeling that an increased police presence is the most pressing issue as upon entering the community, the Gleaner news team encountered several roadblocks mounted by residents who were complaining about a spate of armed robberies in the area.

"Up to four robberies happening for the week, and nobody not getting caught. They used to come (1 to 3 a.m.) in the morning, but now, all 10:30 in the morning. They are so bold now because there's no police. They know they won't get caught because is just one or, the most, two officers at the station at a time, so, they prey on us," said a resident who gave his name as Richard.

Johnson, while confirming that there were reported cases of businesses and residents being robbed, challenged the frequency as reported by residents, arguing that he had been duly briefed by both his predecessor and commanding officer.

"There are no such four crimes per week. It would have been reflected in the station diary," he declared.

"The police here are giving their best, but from what I've seen and heard, we do need some more men. Once the new premises are open, we expect to get more police and vehicles. So, it is my intention, with the proper resources, to try my best to reduce all crime in the areas I serve," he added.