In a significant community policing initiative, senior officers from the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) conducted an extensive foot patrol throughout the Bellevue Chopin area on January 16, 2026. The operation, spearheaded by Deputy Chief of Police Jeffrey James, represented a strategic effort to strengthen police-community relations through direct engagement.
The patrol featured deliberate visits to retired law enforcement personnel including Former Inspector Cyprian Defoe, Retired Sergeant Edwin Francis, and Ex-Special Constable Phillipson Darroux. These emotional reunions facilitated the exchange of professional anecdotes and lighthearted humor, with veterans expressing profound appreciation for the recognition from active-duty colleagues.
Beyond personal visits, officers engaged substantively with local business operators, detailing the objectives behind the newly established Bellevue Chopin & Petite Savanne Community Policing Group. Entrepreneurs received practical security recommendations to enhance protection of their commercial establishments.
A crucial component involved dialogues with young male residents who responded enthusiastically to the initiative, requesting more consistent interactions with law enforcement personnel. The community’s elderly members noted the unprecedented nature of the event, describing it as a historic milestone for the region.
The day concluded symbolically with officers and residents sharing a traditional communal meal, embodying the spirit of unity and collaborative safety efforts. This initiative aligns with the CDPF’s broader Community Oriented Policing strategy focused on trust-building, partnership reinforcement, and creating safer neighborhood environments.