Welcome, readers! Today, we recap July's engaging community safety and security live forum. If you missed the live session, don’t worry—this blog post will provide a comprehensive summary of the discussions, tips, and insights shared by the Area 3 Police.
Introduction
Our live forum "Strengthening Community Safety Post-Hurricane Beryl," brought together members of the Jamaican Constabulary Force (JCF) Area 3 Police to discuss critical strategies for enhancing safety and security in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. The vibrant conversation featured Acting Senior Superintendent Shane McCalla, ACP Calvin Allen, and Sergeant Leroy Chambers, who shared their expertise and engaged directly with the community.
Key Points and Takeaways
Introduction of Acting SSP Shane McCalla: The new Commanding Officer for the Clarendon Division shared insights about his brief yet impactful tenure and the steps taken to improve community safety post-hurricane. He highlighted ongoing Internet connectivity issues due to the hurricane but confirmed patrol efforts in vulnerable communities, particularly where essential services were disrupted.
Community Engagement and Safety Measures
Strategic Policing: Acting SSP McCalla noted that current strategies have led to a significant reduction in murder rates in the Clarendon Division. He emphasized proactive patrolling in vulnerable areas and engagement through meetings and partnerships.
Crime Trends and Prevention
Interpersonal Violence: Acting SSP McCalla stressed the troubling trend of interpersonal disputes leading to violence and the importance of adopting positive conflict resolution skills through stakeholder partnerships.
Community Vigilance: Sergeant Chambers shared success stories of community-led vigilance preventing crimes, such as an attempted break-in thwarted by quick action from local residents and police.
Preparedness Tips from ACP Allen
ACP Calvin Allen provided a comprehensive overview of the initial and ongoing response to Hurricane Beryl. He lauded the coordinated efforts between the police, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), the National Works Agency (NWA), the fire brigade, and other agencies to ensure community safety. Key points include:
Early Preparation: Emphasizing the importance of early preparedness, ACP Allen mentioned the JCF hurricane standing orders, ensuring that all necessary supplies and plans are in place well before the hurricane season.
Shelters and Vulnerable Families: The police identified and visited vulnerable communities and shelters before the hurricane's arrival, ensuring they were adequately equipped and managed.
Collaborative Efforts: The JCF worked closely with municipal groups, Health Ministry, and other local stakeholders to provide a swift and coordinated response during and after the hurricane. This included clearing roads, providing security, and ensuring the wellbeing of residents.
Practical Preparedness Tips
To enhance your safety and preparedness in future emergencies, here are some practical tips shared during the forum:
Before the Hurricane
1. Official Warnings: Always heed warnings and advice from relevant authorities, including the police and local government. Early actions can save lives.
2. Secure Property: Ensure all property locks are secure, move valuable items to safer locations, and properly install storm shutters or plywood.
3. Emergency Supplies: Stock up on essential items, including canned food, water, batteries, and first aid kits. Ensure your flashlights have fresh batteries and your phones are fully charged. Alternative lighting, such as kerosene lamps, can also be handy.
4. Communication Plans: Develop and share emergency communication plans with family and trusted neighbours. Know your local safety officers' contact information and have it readily available.
5. Shelter Locations: Be aware of the nearest shelters and evacuation routes. The Longville Park Community Development Committee’s initiative of hosting a pre-hurricane meeting was highlighted as a model practice.
During the Hurricane
1. Avoid Unnecessary Risk: Stay indoors in a safe location and avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary. Secure your windows and doors, and ensure all family members are accounted for.
2. Stay Informed: Keep updated with local news and weather reports using a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio.
3. Monitor Utility Lines: Avoid contact with downed power lines as they could still be live. Report any utility issues to the relevant authorities immediately.
After the Hurricane
1. Safety First: Prioritize safety by keeping clear of downed power lines, fallen trees, and any structural damage to homes.
2. Check on Neighbours: Especially check in on the elderly, disabled, or anyone living alone. The community effort during Hurricane Beryl, where residents banded together to help each other, was highly commended.
3. Report Suspicious Activity: Be vigilant and report any suspicious activity, particularly in areas where looting might be a concern.
4. Secure Properties: Once it's safe, inspect your property for damage, repair locks, and ensure that all entry points are secure.
Community Involvement and Policing
Neighbourhood Watch Programs: Sergeant Chambers stressed the importance of active participation in Neighbourhood Watch groups to collectively enhance vigilance and response to crime. These groups can also serve as valuable tools for:
Training and Education: Providing regular disaster preparedness training and emergency drills.
Advocacy: Serving as a unified voice to address community concerns and needs.
Community Development: Facilitating projects and initiatives that improve local living conditions and safety.
Crime Prevention Measures: Regular patrols, effective use of social media for communication, installation of surveillance cameras, and proper lighting around properties were highlighted as key measures to deter criminal activity.
Future Preparedness and Continuous Improvement
As we continue through the hurricane season, sustained readiness is critical. Here are some steps to ensure future preparedness:
Frequent Updates: Stay informed about upcoming weather events and community safety meetings.
Regular Drills: Participate in or organize regular emergency preparedness drills to ensure that everyone knows their roles and actions in case of an emergency.
Community Collaboration: Continue building strong relationships with local police and other essential services to create a cohesive and responsive community network.
Preparedness Forums: Join monthly forums like the one hosted by Serenity Resource Connector and the widely publicized meetings in each police division to stay educated and engaged.
Final Thoughts and Appreciation
In conclusion, the live forum on strengthening community safety post-Hurricane Beryl provided a wealth of actionable insights and practical tips to help residents prepare for and respond to emergencies.
Missed the live session? No problem! You can watch the replay here.
We extend heartfelt thanks to our participants: ACP Calvin Allen, Acting SSP Shane McCalla, Sergeant Leroy Chambers, and the active and engaged community members. Let’s continue working together to ensure our communities' safety and security.
Stay safe, stay informed, and remember: preparedness is key.
Thank you for joining us, and a special thanks to National Self-Serve Wholesale for sponsoring this segment. If you wish to support this initiative, and others, reach out at 876-871-8960 or connect with us from our website www.serenityresourceconnector.com/contact.
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