JCF’S Cross Country Tour Equipping Residents with Tools to Deal with Domestic Conflicts

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is strengthening community-based education and intervention efforts through its Domestic Violence Intervention Unit’s Cross-Country Tour, aimed at equipping residents with tools to prevent and respond to domestic conflicts.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in charge of the Community Safety and Security Branch, Charmaine Shand, said the initiative is designed to improve awareness, increase access to support services, and promote early intervention.

“This event is a preventative measure. We want to educate you today. We want to inform you because there are things that you really don’t know,” ACP Shand said.

She was addressing residents and stakeholders at the Cornwall Gardens Playfield in Mount Salem, St. James, during a recent stop of the islandwide tour.

ACP Shand explained that the outreach brings together a wide range of partners to deliver information, resources and support directly to communities.

Among the stakeholders participating in the initiative are the Social Development Commission (SDC), Ministry of Health and Wellness, community-based organisations and international partners.

She noted that the engagement also forms part of broader JCF efforts to strengthen community safety through sustained collaboration and proactive programmes.

ACP Shand further highlighted several community-based initiatives being promoted through the outreach, including police youth clubs, neighbourhood watches and other partnership-driven programmes.

“We have police youth clubs. We have neighbourhood watches… and we want to encourage everyone to get involved,” she said.

ACP Shand also encouraged residents to take advantage of the opportunity to interact directly with members of the police force and partner agencies.

“A lot of times you hear a person say they cannot find a police officer to talk with… we are here. Come out; have a conversation,” she urged.

She emphasised that building stronger relationships between law enforcement and communities is critical to preventing violence and fostering safer environments.

The Domestic Violence Intervention Unit’s Cross Country Tour forms part of the JCF’s ongoing strategy to address the root causes of violence through education, engagement and coordinated stakeholder support.