There has been a reduction in crime in the Dean Street, George Street West and Yabra areas, which form a part of the Precinct 1 Zone, commanded by Superintendent Alden Dawson. The announcement was made by the precinct commander on Monday, April 15, during an interview with the press at the precinct headquarters on Euphrates and Kut Avenues.

Dawson said that the precinct police are working well in the community, that the number of crimes in these areas has decreased, and that already over 130 residents of these communities have expressed interest in starting neighborhood watch groups to further assist police in the crime-fighting effort in their communities. He said that this was not the case when the precinct policing was first rolled out. There was actually a lack of cooperation from the residents, which posed a considerable challenge, he said.

Dawson said that he held meetings with the residents and reminded them that the police are there to help them and to work with them, and he urged them to become a part of the efforts to reduce the crimes, and they are now responding. The residents, he said, are starting to feel secure in once high-crime areas. He went on to thank the residents for their cooperation and their continued support.

Another notable development has been the entry of over 75 children into the Precinct 1 Police Cadet Organization. Corporal Henrietta Hernandez exclaimed that she had never seen such a large crowd of children show such enthusiasm about becoming a part of the Police Cadet Organization. The group is a mixture of both primary school and high school students. The organization began in March with just 16 students. Hernandez said that the expansion of the membership is very encouraging.

Hernandez said that the children are taught discipline and are engaged in drills, and are shown how to do the correct things. She hopes that the program’s positive message will rub off on them, and lead to a reduction in crime. Both boys and girls from 7 to 17 years of age can join the cadets, Hernandez said. They are engaged in positive activities after school. She said that the aim is to work with the children, and to guide them toward positive choices and actions.