Police E Division adopts Youth Group in Region Ten

Jul 14, 2016 News

Police in Linden have not only been solving crimes and keeping the crime rate down, but they are working with the youths to help them become better young men and women.

According to Secretary of the Children of the Future Youth Group, Quincy Lacon, the objective of the group is to get youths off the streets.

“I came into the group six months after its existence and what I would have learnt is that the term “children” don’t necessarily mean those under 12.

“We are looking to get especially those who are involved in irregular activities such as delinquency, drug abuse and so forth. And the fact that it is spearheaded by ‘E’ Division, we found it very good to have a different stereotype into the police badge rather than just fighting crimes and as some people say, unfair charges.

“So the fact that we can take youths off the streets and give them a future is the main objective.”

Commander of ‘E’ Division Calvin Brutus said that this youth group was an initiative of the police in 2014 under the leadership of Inspector Pitt.

Brutus noted that after Pitt was transferred from the Division, Cadet Officer Wallace went to the communities and got social workers to give of their time and resources.

“The youths were sent on Youth Leadership training programmes. We took special interest in the vulnerable areas such as Victory Valley, Canvas City and Block 22.”

The Commander added that the Block 22 area needs a lot of attention. “Enhance the roads and drains. More attention should be given to the community in terms of infrastructure.”

Brutus believes that the Region should do more to develop the roads in the area. According to Brutus he will officially register the group with the Friendly Societies’ Act.

Founder of the group, Shakeel Austin, said that they are looking for a future and a vision for the youths. Austin also noted that the group was launched on July 10 and will be hosting a Youth Week from August 07^th to 13^th, 2016 at the Bayroc Community Ground.

Activities will include a Church Service, Singing and Dancing competitions and a Youth pageant.