A spate of break-ins in Linden has prompted calls for stronger Community Policing Group (CPG) visibility, as the Government moves to boost training and investment in the groups nationwide.
Addressing residents of Amelia’s Ward recently, Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Waldrond said the renewed focus on CPGs was aimed at closing the gap between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
She described the groups as an important link to communities, noting that members often have direct knowledge of residents, families and issues affecting their neighbourhoods. “They are on the ground, they know the residents, they know the friends and family,” Waldrond said.
Beyond gathering information for police, she said, CPG members assist with community relations and counselling young people who may be vulnerable to criminal activity.
The issue took on added urgency when resident Reycia Nedd raised concerns about the break-ins, telling the Minister she felt unsafe living alone and questioning the visibility of CPGs in her area. Nedd added that about 10 young people in the community wanted to join community policing efforts, but preferred to do so through the formal system rather than take matters into their own hands.
In response, Waldrond said arrangements would be made to connect residents with the relevant CPG and police liaison officer, adding that the initiative was intended to encourage greater community participation in crime prevention.
