Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer
The refurbished police station in Trench Town. - Contributed
TWO POLICE stations have been refurbished by the European Union (EU) through its Community Safety and Security programme.
The new-look stations, located in Trench Town and Above Rocks, were formally presented last Thursday in Trench Town by head of the European Commission, Ambassador Marco Mazzocchi-Alemanni. The European Commission is the EU's executive arm.
Ambassador Mazzocchi-Alemanni said with crime being Jamaica's main problem, it was important for the EU to fund projects that assist the police.
"This is why we are here today: To reaffirm our commitment to these Jamaican priorities - less crime, better justice and more community development," the ambassador said.
The Trench Town station is located in the St Andrew South Police Division, traditionally one of the toughest crime areas in the Corporate Area. Both the Trench Town and Above Rocks cop shops, which were in disrepair, were rehabilitated at a cost of J$10 million.
Sergeant Annetta Newell, sub-officer in charge of the Trench Town precinct, said the station had been damaged by Hurricane Dean. She told The Gleaner that improvements had been made to the barracks, guardroom and recreational area.
Last Thursday's handover ceremony was attended by National Security Minister Derrick Smith, Finance Minister Audley Shaw, Member of Parliament Dr Omar Davies, in whose South St Andrew constituency Trench Town lies, and former Security Minister, Dr Peter Phillips.
Educating local officers
Renovation of the stations is part of the EU's financial assistance package under its Social and Economic Reform Programme. The Jamaican Government has been allocated more than J$2.1 billion of support under the programme.
A portion of the funds from this programme was also used to pay for courses for local crime officers. The courses were taught by noted forensic scientist Dr Adrian Linacre of the University of Strathclyde in Scotland.
The Ministry of National Security was also given 10 new vehicles to assist with crime fighting.
