Police in Hanover ramp up efforts to protect senior citizens from crime
Published:Saturday | November 2, 2024 | 1:52 PMBryan Miller/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Though Hanover has a relatively low rate of crimes against senior citizens, the police in this western parish are adopting a proactive approach to ensure that elderly residents remain safeguarded.
At a recent session of the Hanover Parish Library’s monthly ‘Seniors Coffee and Conversations’, Sergeant Darrall Ellis, communications liaison officer for the Hanover police, shared crime-prevention strategies tailored for seniors.
The event, held in October, focused on the topic, ‘Crime Prevention Strategies for Seniors’. Addressing the attendees, Ellis emphasised that while Hanover does not have a significant incidence of crime targeting the elderly, it remains crucial for seniors to be informed about personal safety.
“Crimes against seniors are a growing concern. Although Hanover’s rates are relatively low, other parishes have not been as fortunate,” said Ellis. “The JCF (Jamaica Constabulary Force) is committed to protecting everyone, from young people to seniors and the disabled.”
Ellis reassured the attendees that they should feel comfortable approaching police officers for help. He acknowledged that in the past, Jamaicans have often viewed the police as aggressive, but he highlighted the JCF’s ongoing efforts to change that perception.
“We’ve been working to shift the narrative that the police are an intimidating force,” Ellis explained.
“At the JCF training school, the curriculum has been updated to promote what we call the ‘humanising of police training’, moving away from a purely physical approach to a more supportive one.”
In addition to personal safety tips, Ellis urged seniors to remain connected within their communities and to practise home safety measures to protect themselves. He encouraged collaboration with the police, explaining that such partnerships could help reduce vulnerabilities to crimes like burglary, scams, and fraud.
“Hanover has low incidents of technological fraud and other crimes affecting seniors, but maintaining this requires continuous partnership between citizens and the police,” Ellis added.
“Our role is to protect, serve, and reassure, and the reassurance part is especially important in making sure everyone feels safe.”
For further inquiries or assistance, seniors are encouraged to reach out to the Hanover police.