The Tribune

By LAMECH JOHNSON ljohnson@tribunemedia.net POLICE hailed the New Year's day Junkanoo parade as a "success", underscoring their zero tolerance mandate yesterday. Supt Stephen Dean, National Crime Prevention Office, said there were a few minor incidents which led to several arrests. The "minor infractions", according to Supt Dean, were the "regular unlawfully carrying arms, disorderly behaviour and possession of a quantity of dangerous drugs". Regarding to changes to their strategies from the previous parade he said: "We have closed in all the gaps that we deemed necessary and that is working extremely well." Last week, police issued a strong warning to would-be criminals that they would continue with their "zero tolerance" mandate. Sgt Chrislyn Skippings, police press liaison officer, had spoken to the press on the sidelines of several arraignments related to criminal matters occurring during the Boxing Day parade and advised persons that "if you feel like you're not going to behave yourself at the Junkanoo parade, stay home. There will be no room for you. We will seek you out and we will put you before the courts". Officers were praised and applauded by spectators during the New Year's parade for their strong presence and action taken against persons looking to cause disturbances. Yesterday morning, during the breaks between groups coming into Rawson's Square, officers escorted at least three men in handcuffs through the square to be taken to the Central Police Station. The officers received hand claps and positive shouts from the crowd.