Yahneake Sterling, Staff Reporter
In an attempt to halt the upsurge of violence in the community, Deputy Commissioner of Police Mark Shields (second right) toured sections of Waterhouse yesterday. Accompanying Mr. Shields (from left) are: Patrick Roberts, caretaker for West Central St. Andrew; Junior Stewart, councillor for the area; and DJ Beenie Man. - NORMAN GRINDLEY/DEPUTY CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
AMID REPORTS of a 20 per cent reduction in crime since the start of the year, Deputy Commissioner of Police Mark Shields says the police will be continuing to target 'hot spots'.
He was speaking with The Gleaner yesterday while on a tour of the troubled com-munities of Balcombe Drive and Olympic Way in St. Andrew.
For several weeks there has been tension in the communities following inci-dents of violence.
BUILDING CONFIDENCE
"The purpose of being here is to build trust and confidence through social intervention, which I believe is one of the ways we can reduce crime," said DCP Shields.
Supermodel Nadine Willis, dancehall act, Moses 'Beenie Man' Davis, and PNP caretaker for West Central St. Andrew, Patrick Roberts, also joined in the walk.
"The violence needs to stop. Kids need to feel as if they can safely attend school. We want to show them (gunmen) that we are dealing with love," said Ms. Willis.
And Beenie Man was equally concerned about the current levels of tension in the communities. "What is happening in the community now is not right," he said.
DCP Shields said the 'Hot Spot' secretariat established last year has been effective in helping to reduce crime.
Earlier yesterday, DCP Shields was also part of a joint police-military operation in Matthews Lane, Kingston.
During the operation, several men were detained for questioning and several documents were seized.
However, DCP Shields declined to provide further details on the documents.
According to him, the operation was linked to Donald 'Zekes' Phipps, the Matthews Lane area leader who was recently convicted on a double-murder charge.
"I conclude that Phipps still has some influence and control on that area," he said.
Against this background DCP Shields says the police will continue to conduct operations in Matthews Lane.
