JCF Members at Admiral Town Police Station Host Summer Programme for Students

Members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) at the Admiral Town Police Station in Southern St. Andrew, are currently hosting a summer programme for students from the surrounding areas.
This initiative is part of efforts by the members to foster closer ties with the community.
Programme Co-ordinator, Inspector Joan Benjamin, told JIS News that the objectives of the two-week summer programme are: to foster and improve communication and mutual understanding between the police and the community, and to keep young persons off the streets.
“We try to host the programme after the regular summer schools are held, because we know that after that time.they will have nothing to do and they will be on the streets. It’s a volatile community and we want to try and keep them off the streets,” she explained.
Inspector Benjamin pointed out that more than 280 students between the ages of three and 17 years who reside in Jones Town, Torrington Park, Craig Town, Arnett Gardens, Board Villa and Hannah Town are currently participating in the programme, which began on August 14.
“The participants are taught art and craft and skills training, such as needlework and embroidery, and they learn how to make hand towels, and stuffed toys. Older children are taught Mathematics and English Language,” she said.
Inspector Benjamin said that the programme “is reaping tremendous success” in promoting a cordial relationship between police officers and young persons in the community.
“The programme has improved the relationship between the police and the residents. In former days, you would not find people coming to the police station and responding to the police. Now all that has changed. You will be surprised to find the amount of children on the police compound.there is a better relationship,” she noted.
Held under the theme: ‘Empowering Young Minds Through Social Development’, the programme will end on August 25.