Community beat officer meets with residents

(CNS):  Police Constable Cornelius Pompey, who walks the beat in the George Town area of Scranton, listened to the concerns of the residents in that area recently at an RCIPS community meeting held on 17 September. About 20 people attended the meeting, including George Town MLA Joey Hew, Community Development Officer Dorline Welcome, and Martin Drive community activist Dale Ramoon. Residents were keen to engage in discussion with the police about their plans and areas of concern, such as speeding, drugs activity and loud music. Chief Inspector Angelique Howell expressed her disappointment at the meeting that younger members of the community were missing.

The George Town cop shop boss was able to reassure those present that patrol officers will continue to have a visible presence in the area. Impressed with the passion displayed by the residents, nevertheless, Howell said she hoped to see younger people in the neighbourhood taking part in the discussions about crime prevention.

“They have a great dealof pride in their Martin Drive community and expressed a desire to work with the police and other agencies to improve the area,” she said. “It would have been great to see some of the younger residents at the meeting as they have a pivotal role to play in developing and enhancing the community. One of PC Pompey’s aims is to engage with the young residents and involve them in the community enhancement programmes.”

PC Pompey, who served in two police forces before joining the RCIPS ten years ago, will work with community leaders to develop programs that will benefit the area. Addressing the meeting, PC Pompey pledged that he would do his best to address any concerns they had about crime and community safety, and that he would work diligently with them to come up with solutions to their issues. He asked for the support of the residents and stressed that it was important for them and the police to work together.

The next George Town community meeting will be held at the All Nations Pentecostal Church in Washington Blvd tonight Wednesday 25 September at 7.00pm