MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A multi-agency initiative led by the Manchester police is intensifying community policing strategies in the historically challenged neighborhood of Greenvale, located west of Mandeville. This collaborative effort aims to solidify a remarkable three-year period of drastically reduced criminal activity, during which only a single homicide has been recorded.
Deputy Superintendent Valdin Amos, Zone One Commander, emphasized the critical importance of maintaining this hard-won peace during a coordinated walkthrough with journalists on Tuesday. “We have achieved a notably low crime rate here. Regressing to an era necessitating curfews and stringent police measures is not an option we are willing to entertain,” stated Amos. He affirmed that Greenvale represents one of several communities currently benefiting from this renewed engagement strategy.
The operational model involves partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Social Development Commission and Southern Parks and Markets Waste Management. These agencies joined officers in engaging directly with residents to understand and address local concerns. Amos highlighted the community’s instrumental role in this success, noting that the lone murder in the past three years was solved with crucial assistance from local residents, fostering a environment where police and agencies are now openly welcomed.
Inspector Romaine Brooks, sub-officer in charge of the Mandeville Police Station, detailed the proactive social component of the crime reduction strategy. A series of community events, including football, cricket, domino, netball, and even DJ competitions, are scheduled to launch, starting with a football league on February 15. These initiatives are designed specifically to engage youth and strengthen community bonds. Brooks confirmed that these efforts are receiving staunch support from the Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Custos Garfield Green, underscoring a unified approach to sustainable public safety.