Community Police Unit positive about outreach initiative

The Community Police Unit of Tobago, headed by Snr Supt Sterling Roberts, began a community outreach initiative last month in response to an increase in reports of domestic-related crimes during the peak of the covid19 lockdown.

Insp Michael Woods and other officers of the Community Police Unit visited the communities of Buccoo, Castara, Belle Garden and Mount St George.

Woods said officers used the opportunity to distribute hampers to deserving people in the communities; check on retired officers and elderly people who lived alone, to ensure their safety; sensitise people about the covid19 regulations; keep track of young people who had been involved in misdemeanours before covid19.

Asked whether this proactive approach by the police will continue, Woods said officers are excited about the initiative as they have been able to provide timely information especially in relation to child maintenance matters, distribute pamphlets relating to general safety and domestic violence and also interact with the public, which the officers feel confident will result in safer communities.