Prospect Land neighbourhood watch takes on criminals

Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer

PORT ANTONIO, Portland:

AMID THE inclement weather, residents at Prospect Land Settlement in Portland who are seeking to reduce the level of violence in their community, officially launched a neighbourhood watch initiative last Thursday.

The launch represents the 632nd of such initiatives to be undertaken by residents in communities islandwide, and is the first neighbourhood watch launch to take place in Portland since the start of 2010.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Karina Powell Hood of the Community Safety and Security Branch (CSSB), who delivered the keynote address, said the initiative was one way of reducing crime at the community level.

"Through a neighbourhood watch you are able to identify problems," she said. "It also allows you to be aware of those problems, which often results in crime problems. Crime is not only the sole responsibility of the police, but it is also the responsibility of residents."

DSP Hood pointed out that the initiative undertaken by the residents was commendable, noting that the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the CSSB were embarking on neighbourhood watches to be one of the crime-prevention tools that exist in the country.

Corporal Julio Francis, explained that neighbourhood watches have reaped success since its inception in 1987. The programme was initiated by former commissioner of police Herman Ricketts, following an earlier recommendation made by then senior superintendent, Neville Weakly, who attended a crime prevention course in England in 1984.

Since the inception of a neighbourhood watch in Portland in 1990, 20 such groups have been formed. However, only 12 have remained active. An additional four are to be launched.