Thriving communities are often grounded in a solid foundation of safety and security. At the recent Serenity Resource Connector (SRC) Community Safety and Security forum, we highlighted the heroes working tirelessly to protect and uplift the communities in Clarendon, Manchester, and St. Elizabeth—the dedicated police officers of Area 3. Their commitment goes far beyond law enforcement, with their efforts touching lives and reshaping futures.
Why This Forum Matters
Hosted by Winsome Sherrier Witter, the forum was a powerful reminder that behind every safe street and peaceful community are the unsung heroes who devote their lives to service, working tirelessly to protect and uplift us all. Winsome opened the session by welcoming guests and viewers, underscoring the importance of recognising the men and women who protect and nurture trust, foster partnerships, and uplift communities.
Our special guests, including ACP Calvin Allen, Sergeant Deane Cover, Constable Rojehn Holt, and Constable Lennox Sterling showcased the transformative role of community policing—where protection is paired with compassion, and authority with mentorship.
Building Safer Communities Through Partnerships
One of the key takeaways from ACP Calvin Allen’s insightful remarks was the emphasis on police-community partnerships. As he pointed out, safety cannot be achieved in isolation; it thrives on collaboration. Through active community engagement, from local meetings to personal visits, officers are able to work hand-in-hand with citizens to address concerns and build stronger, safer neighbourhoods.
This collaborative approach empowers residents to become guardians of their communities, knowing they have the support of their local police. It’s a relationship that fosters trust, mutual respect, and, ultimately, a shared vision of a crime-free environment.
Recognising Our Community Guardians: The Impact of Area 3 Police Officers
The forum celebrated the achievements of several officers whose work has left a lasting impact on their communities. Their stories are not just about accolades but about hearts dedicated to service:
Sergeant Deane Cover, recipient of the 2024 Governor General's Award, touched everyone with his heartfelt story of how his grandparents instilled in him a deep love for humanity. His selfless work during the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing commitment to community service demonstrate what it means to lead with compassion.
Constable Rojehn Holt, recognised as a Community Relations Champion, spoke passionately about how personalising police interactions can break down barriers and foster trust. His mentorship of young people through HEART is not just changing lives but creating new pathways to success for youth in Clarendon.
Constable Lennox Sterling illustrated the importance of youth engagement through his work with police youth clubs, which provide safe spaces for young people to grow and thrive. His dedication to organising events and building personal connections within the community has helped bridge the gap between law enforcement and the younger generation.
These officers remind us that being a guardian of the community means more than enforcing the law—it means being a mentor, a role model, and an ally.
Your Role in Community Safety
As much as we rely on the dedication of officers, community safety is a shared responsibility. The forum touched on several initiatives that you, as a community member, can actively participate in:
Personalised Community Policing – Get to know your local officers. Their tailored approach to addressing specific community needs helps build trust and improve communication.
Join Mentorship Programmes – Get involved in mentoring through local youth clubs or initiatives like HEART to help guide young people toward positive futures.
Neighbourhood Watch – Consider joining or starting a Neighbourhood Watch Programme, which encourages vigilance and responsibility in keeping your area safe.
Attend Public Safety Meetings – Regular community meetings open lines of communication between citizens and law enforcement, allowing for collaborative solutions to issues like public safety and crime prevention.
Through these avenues, you can play a pivotal role in fostering a sense of responsibility and vigilance within your neighbourhood.
The Power of Engagement
The forum not only provided insight but also sparked active engagement from viewers. Comments flowed in, with many expressing appreciation for the work of the officers and reaffirming the importance of police-citizen cooperation.
Innovative initiatives like “Wanted Wednesdays”, discussed by Constable Holt, showcase the power of creative engagement in crime prevention, making it easier for citizens to contribute to public safety efforts. These programmes allow the community to stay informed and actively involved in safeguarding their neighbourhoods.
Honouring DC Ericton Mullings
Although unable to attend, District Constable Ericton Mullings was recognised for his remarkable contributions to community development in St. Elizabeth. His leadership in education support projects, charitable work, and community outreach has left a legacy of care, showing how one person’s efforts can uplift an entire community.
Looking Ahead: What You Can Do
As we look forward, the forum highlighted the importance of ongoing support and recognition for the work of our police officers. Their dedication to service—whether through neighbourhood watch programmes, mentorship, or youth engagement—is helping to create a safer, more connected society.
We encourage you to not only appreciate the work being done but to actively contribute to it. Join us in future forums as we continue to shine a light on outstanding individuals and initiatives that make a difference.
Watch the Replay
Couldn’t join us live? Don’t worry, you can catch the replay of the Community Safety and Security Forum here.
Acknowledgements
We extend a heartfelt thank you to our partners, Jamaica Constabulary Force Area 3, and our sponsor, National Self-Serve Wholesale, for their unwavering support in making this forum possible.
Stay connected with Serenity Resource Connector for more updates on our upcoming forums and community resources. Follow us on social media for inspiring stories and opportunities to get involved.
By celebrating the efforts of our community guardians, we recognise that each of us has a role to play in building safer, more connected communities. At Serenity Resource Connector, we’re proud to be a platform that amplifies these stories and promotes meaningful action. Let’s continue working together to create a future where safety, trust, and community thrive.
Call to Action
Feeling inspired? Get involved! Stay updated with our latest forums, follow us on social media, and explore how you can make a difference in your community with Serenity Resource Connector. Together, we can build a brighter, safer future for all.
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