Domestic violence in Hopewell a ‘major concern’ for police
Published:Tuesday | April 30, 2024 | 12:09 AMBryan Miller/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
ALTHOUGH NOT regarded as one of the crime hotspots in Hanover, the police say Hopewell has a high incidence of domestic violence.
Inspector of Police Godfrey Lawrence, the officer in charge of the recently opened Hopewell Police Station, made the disclosure while addressing a community meeting on the weekend at the Hopewell Sports Complex and Community Centre, located at Orchard Housing Scheme in Hopewell.
The Hopewell Police Station was officially opened on March 15, and is said to be one of the first such facility with technology at the helm.
“Since we have been at the Hopewell Police Station, I have seen where we have a good working relationship with the citizens. What I found out is that there is a high rate of domestic violence within this community, it’s our major concern,” he stated.
He made an appeal for the residents within the community to utilise services offered at the police station stating, “Don’t feel afraid to report these incidents.
“If we can put a lid on these domestic issues, we will be able to have a crime-free area,” he argued.
STRANGERS IN COMMUNITY
Lawrence went on to advise residents that another concern of the police is the entertainment of strangers in the community, asking that they do the necessary checks before allowing strangers to take up residence in the community, or notify the police when the observe any strange action or person within their respective areas.
With some persons in attendance expressing concern about the confidentiality of reports made to police in the past, and questioning whether or not information passed to the police will remain with them, Lawrence pointed out that persons wishing to make confidential reports have several options to do so without their identity being known.
He went on to outline some of the options, but also warned against persons sharing information with the police and the same information with other persons, and then blame the police when a leak occurs.
“We want to foster a better working relationship with you people. If you have information to pass on, find some means or ways to pass on this information to someone within the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) who you have confidence in, so that you can get some attention,” he stated.
Lawrence, a 30-year veteran in the JCF, who has also served in the parish of Westmoreland, emphasised that he and his team are dedicated to making a difference in the Hopewell area, and to make the area safe for all. He also gave some security tips as to how persons can make their property and surroundings safer.
“I am asking you one more time to give us your support, help me to help you,” he pleaded.