The Tribune

By PAVEL BAILEY

Tribune Staff Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

ASSISTANT Commissioner of Police Dr Chaswell Hanna said violent incidents in schools have declined by 17 percent since the introduction of a School Resource Officer (SRO) programme.

Chief Superintendent Eugene Strachan, head of the Traffic Division, also mentioned that officers will be stationed at major traffic corridors for the next three weeks to ensure public safety on the roads.

Dr Hanna said the SRO programme, which assigns one officer to each public junior and senior high school nationwide, is now entering its third academic year and has reduced school crime. He said schools are safer with officers intercepting dangerous contraband such as guns, drugs, and knives. Notably, he reported that there were no stabbing incidents in the last academic year.

Dr Hanna said there are approximately 60 trained SROs. While there are no immediate plans to increase this number, there are plans to strengthen their effectiveness to maintain a reduction in school-related crime.

Although there have been no recent reports of drug gummies making it onto school campuses, Dr Hanna advised parents to check their children’s bags for such items. He pointed out that these edibles are often packaged to look like popular brands to attract children.

Dr Hanna also urged parents to resolve conflicts with teachers peacefully, as there were isolated incidents last year where parents were arrested for assaulting teachers on campus.

He further encouraged barbershop owners to ensure that students are in school from 9am to 3pm in accordance with the Education Act. He warned that businesses found serving students during school hours risk losing their licenses, as police will be patrolling to deter truancy.

Chief Superintendent Strachan announced that, in the interest of public safety, officers will be stationed at corridors with concerning traffic trends at the start of the new school year.

“We want to warn those who drive recklessly or dangerously that such behaviour will not be tolerated,” Chief Superintendent Strachan said.

“We will be particularly vigilant for those travelling from the east to the west, as statistics show some issues during the morning commute.”

He also advised drivers near school zones to pay attention to crossing guards and avoid speeding in those areas.

While acknowledging issues in the Village Road area, Chief Superintendent Strachan indicated that officers would primarily be stationed in the eastern section of New Providence. He mentioned that officers will be assigned to monitor key corridors, including Baillou Hill, Tonique Darling, and areas around Gladstone Road, Baha Mar, and JFK.

Chief Superintendent Strachan urged motorists to manage their time effectively and leave earlier, rather than arriving just before their shift starts.

Addressing concerns about reckless bus drivers, Chief Superintendent Strachan said: “Bus drivers are always on our radar. We encourage people to send us videos of reckless driving. While videos are helpful, offences are better addressed when observed by a police officer.”