Persons encouraged to use mediation outlets

MANDEVILLE — Head of the Area 3 Police Division, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Derrick Cochrane, is encouraging persons to use the various mediation outlets, including that of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), to settle disputes.

Addressing the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Mandeville, at the Golf View Hotel, on July 19, the ACP stated that for the period March 1 to May 31, 2011, over 80 per cent of the emergency calls received at the Area 3 headquarters had to do with domestic and spousal disputes.

“I want to make an appeal to all Jamaicans to avail yourselves to some third party to mediate and help you settle disputes of whatever type. The JCF has robust systems to treat with these psycho-social issues – a chaplaincy unit, which cascades through the Division to the stations,” Mr. Cochrane said.

He informed the audience that the JCF has trained professionals to deal with disputes, and to help in a non-partial manner. He also encouraged persons to utilise the services of pastors, community leaders and other responsible adults to work out issues, rather than resorting to violence.

“All these are at your disposal, police and members of the public alike. Access them, do not suffer in silence. We have some built in capacity and capability in the organisation to help you. So, as an organisation we are trying our best to fulfill our mission of the maintenance of law and order and the protection of life and property, prevention and detection of crime, and the preservation of peace,” he said.

Mr. Cochrane assured that the emergency numbers are safe for persons to report criminal activity.

By GARFIELD L. ANGUS, JIS Reporter