THE Central Georgetown Police Youth Group has been resuscitated and the Regional Division ‘4A’ will target youths of Leopold Street and its immediate environs.
The group met recently at the Freeburg Secondary School, Norton and Palm Streets, Georgetown.
At the meeting were Sub-divisional Officers, including Superintendent John Barker and community liaisons, Dr. Mikhail McLennan, Daniel Prescott, Asif Wahab and Kenisha Headley, among others. The focus of the meeting was to brief the youths on the way forward and the COVID-19 pandemic. Also at the event was a demonstration of the correct way of hand-washing and at the end of the meeting, face masks, soap and other relevant items were distributed.
In an invited comment Divisional Commander, Senior Superintendent, Khali Pareshram said many youths have their first encounter with anything justice-related, whether in school, their neighbourhoods, or social service settings, is through law enforcement.

“The nature and circumstances of this contact can have a significant and lasting impression on a young person. Concerned adults, mentors, and role models can assist adolescents in achieving social competence and reducing problem behaviour,” the commander noted.
He said police officers are in a strong position to take on the role of positive influencing young people.
“A law enforcement officer who builds a good relationship with youth can be a strong, protective figure for them,” he said.
Commander Pareshram also stressed that the officers could help to reinforce the messages of perseverance, discipline and teamwork which would help many young people identify their skills and interests, to attain goals, and to solve problems.
“When necessary, officers also assist at-risk students in accessing social services. Each officer takes an individual approach to building a rapport with each youth, and that effort shows their genuine desire to connect. This supportive relationship has led to positive conversations about smart decisions and have helped many youths learn important life skills that will extend past this programme,” he noted.