Jamaican Police.Com

Letter to the Jamaica Gleaner editor – Friday, January 23, 2009
By Harold Crooks (haroldcrooks@yahoo.com)
Re: The need to rethink the closure of police satellite stations

Dear Editor,

Advances in information technology have allowed police forces to transfer administrative duties from satellite stations to ‘head stations’. The fact that service is poor is an even worse reason to close satellite stations which have evolved due to increasing violence and intimidation.

Revolving faces on patrol from head stations are poor substitutes for a local police officer stationed in the community and who usually spends some off-duty time there. This quality presence helps add a human face to public order; can win hearts and minds; controls territory at a lower cost and improves intelligence flow. Additionally, research has shown that people have a more favourable view of their local police than the force as a whole … more

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