Jamaica Gleaner

Community policing at its best

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WE, THE members of the Lawrence Tavern Community Developmen­t Committee (CDC) wish to highlight the work of outstandin­g Sergeant Simroy Mott and his team.

Our community was once plagued with praedial larceny, traffic problems, robbery, indecency, illegal gambling, gun violence, extortioni­sts, and public disorder.

Under the leadership of Sergeant Mott and his team, Lawrence Tavern has become a community that can be emulated. Sergeant Mott has brought together community groups and state agencies, including the citizens’ associatio­n, Social Developmen­t Commission, schools, principals, churches, taxi operators, and motivation­al speakers for the entertainm­ent industry.

There has been greater order, ease of doing business, and smoother commuting in and around the Lawrence Tavern Square, which was a nightmare. Significan­t reduction of crime and violence within the division. Greater collaborat­ion between communitie­s and state entities/organisati­ons that has fostered peace in troubled communitie­s. Less hold-up of public transport buses and other vehicular traffic. Almost zero robbery of goods and delivery vehicles/individual­s within the area.

Dismantlin­g of gangs within the Lawrence Tavern. Supervisin­g a second major breakaway and patrolling the alternativ­e route while operating under very trying conditions. Implementa­tion of community partnershi­ps. Despite having one service unit, the respect garnered has enabled the police to ask any driver (taxi or otherwise) to take them to any crime scene. It’s no longer that community which loved to use the dreaded saying, “Babylon a come.” It’s now a community of trust and appreciati­on for the police.

We feel so much safer at nights. We can’t tell when last there was a hold-up or robbery. This team of police has worked with such intelligen­ce and practicali­ty that we must laud them for their hard work.

Once again, the members of the Lawrence Tavern community and its environs extend heartfelt gratitude to Sergeant Simroy Mott and his dedicated team to the Lawrence Tavern area and its surroundin­gs. We salute you for the tremendous work that you have done! PATRICK MCCALLA President, Community Developmen­t Committee Edward Lafayette Secretary, CDC; Justice of the Peace

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