Constable Alicia Bromfield, Inspector Damion Jarrett (centre) and Constable Donavon Hall at the Moneague Police Station in St Ann. – Norman Grindley/Chief Photographer

Residents of Moneague in St Ann have a story to tell about the police in their community and they want to share it with anyone willing to listen.

However, this time it is not the all-too-familiar allegations of incompetence, brutality and corruption being levelled at the police. Instead, the residents want to 'big up' the cops based at the Moneague Police Station for what they say is the excellent service being delivered by them.

"The Moneague police are working very good and they work with the citizens. When it comes to crime they are trying their best and they patrol the community day and night," a businesswoman told The Gleaner.

"They are on the case of the illegal taxi operators but they don't beat them up," the business operator added as she reeled off the names of police personnel who have offered her assistance over recent months.

"Them don't disrespect you," one young man said, even as he smoked a hand-rolled cigarette which appeared to be illegal.

"Even if them arrest you for a spliff, them don't call you 'boy' and them don't dis' you," the young man added.

good job

Other persons echoed similar sentiments but it seemed the fear of being labelled a police informer caused them to refuse to give their names.

"The police them a work and a do a good job. If you call them, one-two them on the spot," one man said.

"I had an issue and I went to the Claremont Police Station and they only took my report but, when I came here, they worked on the case," a student of the Moneague Teachers' College added.

"They are easy to deal with and they are very interested in your case," she said.

The commendations from the residents are pleasing but not surprising to the police at the rustic station.

"The new direction of the force is to find ways and means of bridging the gap between the citizens and the police and we are doing that," Constable Alicia Bromfield told The Gleaner.

"We have several projects at this station, including our summer programme, which was designed to reduce the number of runaway teens," Bromfield said

good relationship

The Moneague police, which has spawned three youth clubs, staged a development netball competition over the summer to keep the young girls active over that period.

"We try and have a good relationship with citizens and it takes a lot of hard work. We visit the schools, we talk with the parents and even when we tackle the illegal taxi operators we have regular meetings with them and give them information so even though we lock them up we encourage them to do the proper thing under the law," added Bromfield.

However, it is not all smooth sailing for the Moneague police who cover a large geographical area. Like most other police stations, they face a lack of resources and a need for more personnel. But the dedicated cops remain undaunted.

arthur.hall@gleanerjm.com