Southern Division police have taken their fight against crime through the streets of the south city, not only through raids, lock-downs and road blocks but through community partnership programmes.
On Sunday, the crime fighters took a break from their schedule to lock arms with the San Fernando’s Limerz Crew in a march against crime.
Holding up a banner which read, Lets Stop Crime, Enough is Enough, the group marched from Skinner Park to Independence Avenue from 7 am.
Led by activists Saied and Sherry Mohammed, the officers joined San Fernando mayor Junia Regrello as they urged the public to assist the police in fighting crime. After the march, officers participated in a family day.
In an interview Saied said too often citizens complain about crime but fail to offer solutions to the police.
“This crime walk was meant to bring awareness to people so that everyone could partner to reduce crime. We were very happy to see the entire Southern Division join with us,” Saied said.
He explained that Limerz Crew, started as a J’Ouvert band but eventually metamorphosed into a charitable entity.
Mas band Fireworks Promotions as well as the principal from the Naparima College Dr Michael Dowlath, officials of ASJA Boys’ College and Naparima Girls’ High School also joined in the anti- crime initiative.
“People need to come out and be honest with themselves. Let us not only sit down and talk about crime but work together to help the police.
“We need solutions and help . The police have been removing drugs and guns out of the streets.
“We are not saying there isn’t corrupt police but if we work together we can make the Police Service better,” Saied said.
Head of Operations at the Southern Division, Insp Don Gajadhar, welcomed the initiative saying the police needed the public’s help in fighting crime.
He said under Senior Supt Zamsheed Mohammed all nine station districts have been doing outreach programmes to improve community ties and build back trust in the Police Service. Gajadhar commended Limerz Crew for the initiative.
Several police youth clubs girl guides, brownies and the scouts from the various schools in San Fernando participated in the march, along with Senior Supt Mohammed, Insp Steve Persad and former ACP Cecil Santana.
Over the past few months, officers have been receiving intelligence information which has led to the recovery of narcotics, guns and ammunition.
The officers have also locked down the Kings Wharf zone where illegal cargo is brought in on a daily basis.
n Anyone wanting to assist the police with information can contact Crime Stoppers at 800-TIPS.
