The Guyana Justices of the Peace (JP) Association discussed its role in crime-fighting and in community-based mediation efforts for perpetrators of minor offences when it met recently with the police commissioner.

In a press release president of the JP Association Hermon Bholaisingh said he and four other members raised the said issues along with the need for proper understanding by JPs of their role and functions as outlined in the Summary Jurisdiction (Magistrate’s) Act Chapter 3:05 Sections 14 to 20; the significance of ongoing training for JPs in order to boost individual competence and quality of service to the public and enhancing their professionalism.

According to the release the meeting also discussed the need for changes in the traditional role of the police force in the maintenance of law and order in the light of escalating crime; forging a realistic police/JP relationship throughout the Magisterial Districts to better serve communities as well as boosting JPs roles in family counselling and in sensitising the public about the Police Act and the rights of the individual as enshrined in the Constitution.