Last night, Tuesday July 22nd 2014 at 6:30pm GT Police Commander Angelique Howell and her team met with the residents of the Scranton Community for a community meeting. Approximately 20 persons were in attendance and many issues were discussed. The community residents voiced their concerns of the lack of friendliness and courteousness from some new police officers; as they quoted ,who have joined the RCIPS in the last 5yrs whom they said do not stop and speak with the members of the community. They voiced their concerns of the boldness of the drug users who light up their drugs on any street corner in front of anyone with no care as to who may see them, they spoke of the many mental persons within the district that harasses persons on the streets, begging for money and when they are not given the money they became aggressive.

Chief Inspector Howell and her officers including Scranton Beat Officer PC Cornelius Pompey and PC Brian Jameson provided the residents with the issues that are affecting them and the many initiatives that are being undertaken to address some of their voiced concerns. Since the 1st of January of 2014 to present a total of 317 crimes ranging from burglaries, thefts, harassment, street robberies, loud music etc. were reported in that area and the surrounding areas.

The officers spoke of the partnership with the business community in forming a business watch program, the partnership with other government agencies in addressing the social concerns of some troubled persons, mostly the young men and also the police actions as it relates to addressing criminality within these areas.

The Commander notified the community residents that many of the crimes are not being committed necessarily by the residents within this particular area but by other persons who travelled to the area or being harboured in the area by the residents. Drugs, gambling, street robberies, harassment, thefts and antisocial behaviours are just some of the crimes and disorder affecting this area and the surrounding areas.

Scranton Community Committee Leader Mr. Dale Ramoon and Community Development Officer Ms. Dorline Welcome were among the persons in attendance. They outlined the initiatives that are being undertaken within the Scranton community to improve the image of the area. Mr. Ramoon made mention of the projects that they want to embark, such as a mentoring program etc. for the young men of the area, which will allow for betterment of the community. He calls upon the business community to support them in achieving their goals.

The GT District Commander commended and congratulated the leaders and residents who work continuously for the improvement of their community, and their willingness to work with the RCIPS in addressing the criminal and social issues affecting them. Chief Inspector Howell stated that it was a very healthy meeting, everyone was talking and providing suggestions that can be sustainable once implemented correctly. We were very pleased with the meeting and promised the community that the concerns they aired, the RCIPS will do our part to address them.

The meeting concluded at 8:15am with an after social of refreshments for the attendees.

See also iNews Cayman story published today under iNews Briefs “Only 6 persons attend Cayman police community meeting”