Innovative incentives boost police performance in St Catherine South
Published:Monday | November 6, 2023 | 12:10 AMRuddy Mathison/Gleaner Writer
In a commendable move towards enhancing their performance and recognising the hard work of police personnel, the St Catherine South Division has introduced a novel incentive programme.
Senior Superintendent Christopher Phillips, who oversees the division, emphasised the importance of acknowledging the dedicated efforts of the police force during a recent Hi Opps award and lounge opening ceremony at the Hundred-Man Police Station.
“This approach is yielding results. We’ve witnessed the remarkable success of our division’s operations, and it’s not by chance but a result of the collective effort of our team,” said Phillips.
“I want everyone to know that we’re actively tracking performance and are immensely proud of their achievements.”
During the month of October, the division achieved significant milestones with more than 150 arrests for various crimes, more than 3,500 tickets issued, three warrants executed, and the recovery of one firearm. The standout performer among the police personnel was Woman Constable Ronnette Allen, attached to the Old Harbour Police Station, who wrote an impressive 549 tickets and made the most arrests. The Central Village police also executed three warrants.
Additionally, Phillips signed a contract with local businessman Winchester Brown to manage the newly established X Lounge at the station. This initiative aims to provide a secure and comfortable environment for officers during their off-duty hours and for those residing on the station compound.
A peaceful place
Recognising the stress and challenges faced by law-enforcement officers, Phillips explained, “The lounge will offer our officers a peaceful place to relax, entertain visiting family members, and connect with loved ones without exposure to criminal elements.”
The impact of these initiatives is already apparent, with the St Catherine South Division witnessing a remarkable 25 per cent decrease in murders since the beginning of the year. Phillips believes that this new incentive programme will further motivate officers to intensify their efforts in the ongoing fight against crime.
Furthermore, he disclosed that the division has already formulated its policing plan for 2024, reflecting a commitment to sustained improvements in law enforcement and community safety.