The Ministry of Home Affairs on Sunday held a retreat with 29 Community Policing Groups (CPGs) in ‘C’ Division aimed at ventilating and addressing members’ concerns in carrying out their duties.
A Government Information Agency (GINA) press release said the retreat was one of several that will be held in all seven police divisions countrywide. It targeted former, non-functioning and potential members of CPGs and Rural Constables (RCs) within community policing organisations. “The aim is to allow members to air their concerns as it relates to problems affecting the community policing system and propose workable solutions to ensure further growth and expansion of this vital arm of law enforcement,” GINA said.
In his address, Home Minister Clement Rohee said, “these activities were organised to appraise and assess the groups in relation to the role they have played in the community policing system.” He noted that his ministry had been mandated by government to build and expand CPGs in recognition of the fact that these groups play an effective role in the overall crime fighting strategy.
“Community police must work together with the police and for that to happen, there must be a cordial and transparent relationship between these two agencies,” Rohee added. The minister also noted that only the criminals benefit from the lack of co-ordination and co-operation between the police and CPGs and that any police officer or CPG member who stokes the fire of animosity between the two crime fighting groups would be doing a great disservice to the community and the country.
In the light of this Rohee urged members to focus on the “big picture”, that is, the right of people in any community to live in peace and security. He also cautioned against bringing personal issues into the CPG system, as too often, that leads to division and side-tracking of the main objective. The minister also encouraged CPG members were also urged to make constructive criticisms during their deliberations which will leave them in a better, more informed position in dealing with crime in the division.
“We want to hear criticisms that will help build and expand the influence of the CPGs,” Rohee said. Additionally, Divisional Commander Gavin Primo told the meeting, “Security does not start or end with the police but rather it must have the involvement of communities.” GINA said after the opening ceremony members were placed into three groups for workshops with facilitators aimed at realising objectives. The retreat was held at the Chateau Margot Primary School.
