JCF Strengthens Partnership with Community in Spanish Town

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is strengthening its partnership with residents of Ellerslie Gardens, Spanish Town, St. Catherine, through a community-building initiative, aimed at helping citizens understand and break the cycle of violence.

Sub-Officer in charge of the Community Safety and Security Branch (CSSB), St. Catherine North Division, Sergeant Kester Fennel, said the initiative, launched recently at the Albion Football Field in Ellerslie Gardens, is designed to promote peaceful conflict resolution, strengthen relationships between the police and residents, and empower young people to make positive choices.

Sergeant Fennel said many young people become involved in violence without understanding the origins of conflicts that have existed between communities for generations.

He noted that individuals are sometimes prevented from visiting neighbouring communities simply because of where they live or their family associations.

He explained that violence often begins with a disagreement or perceived disrespect, followed by injury or death, retaliation and further trauma.

According to Sergeant Fennel, this creates a cycle in which families and communities mourn successive losses, while fear, anger and mistrust become normalised.

He said children exposed to such conditions may grow up believing that violence is necessary to survive or earn respect, when in reality, violence creates fear rather than genuine respect.

He also highlighted the wider social and economic impact of violence, noting that a single violent incident can affect victims, families, schools, churches, businesses, hospitals and the wider community.

Sergeant Fennel said violence can restrict residents’ movement, discourage investment, undermine educational and employment opportunities, and contribute to the stigma attached to communities.

He pointed out that young people may also become trapped in conflicts they did not start, through peer pressure, gang affiliations, the desire for protection or belonging, and the need to earn money.

He encouraged residents, particularly young people, to use peaceful alternatives when faced with conflicts.

He introduced the “Pause and Reflect” approach, which encourages individuals to stop before acting, assess the situation, understand the possible consequences, seek support from trusted persons and safely exit the conflict.

Sergeant Fennel stressed that walking away from a confrontation is not a sign of weakness but an act of strength that can prevent injury, death, imprisonment and retaliation.

He urged parents, community leaders and residents to work with the police, counsellors, mediators and other social services to address conflicts before they escalate.

Sergeant Fennel also encouraged young people to pursue education, skills training, sports, music and other positive activities, while urging adults to provide guidance and be positive role models.