MEMBERS of ‘A’ Division Community Policing Group (CPG), on Monday, had a meeting with Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan at the Brickdam Police Station compound and utilised the opportunity to highlight a number of concerns.

Chairman of the ‘A’ Division CPG, Pamela English, said she was elected to the position for four months and met the group in a somewhat ‘zig zag’ state and is trying to bring about improvements.

She told the large gathering that, so far, she has visited some groups within Division ‘A’ and listened to their many concerns, and they have had several training sessions and meetings.

English said further that in two weeks’ time they will have a fundraising activity which should bring members together and she also wants to encourage them to come out for training and to attend statutory meetings.

Eon Thorne of Tucville CPG told the gathering he is concerned that rural constables are not being fully utilised at police stations but they should be able to work along with the police.

Orin Forde of Campbellville CPG observed that although they do voluntary work, they also have to put gas in the vehicle out-of-pocket and if they have to do repairs on the vehicle it is also at their expense. He also requested protective gear for members on patrol duties, especially at nights.

In addition, he said they need vehicles and bicycles and asked for a monthly stipend to be allocated for members as a form of encouragement.

Meanwhile, Robert Chang of Queenstown CPG said his group needs hand-held radios and proper gear for patrols while Gary Thompson of Festival City CPG noted that his group can only be effective if they are utilised fully as the area had become a hub for criminal activities but they are ill-equipped to respond.

He stated that they are willing to activate crime prevention programmes in that community but would need the assistance of the police, especially in reaching out to unemployed youths via skills training and other social projects to enhance their lives.

Others talked about the need for better collaboration between the CPGs and the police and also highlighted the need for resources.

One female member spoke openly about school-age youths being involved in crime in her community and pointed to incidents of marijuana use which was affecting their lives.

She also expressed concern about schoolchildren fighting with knives and other weapons at school and on the street and pinpointed a need for them to be guided.

By Michel Outridge