Cops and NSWMA join forces to clear eyesore at police station

The Constant Spring Police partnered with the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) to undertake a massive clean-up of the station grounds, creating a more welcoming environment for the police officers and members of the public whom they serve.

The clean-up day, held on Saturday (February 21), involved the removal of unclaimed, derelict vehicles, furniture and other bulky items that have created an eyesore and health hazard at the facility, attracting pests and providing breeding ground for mosquitos.

Police personnel worked alongside the NSWMA workers and volunteers to trim overgrown shrubs, cut overhanging branches, and clear leaves from storm drains.

Executive Director of the NSWMA, Audley Gordon, who was on hand, told JIS News that the clean-up exercise was initiated by the police.

"They reached out and we were happy and excited. We need the police, so when we partner with the police, it brings a greater sense of duty and a greater sense of urgency because it has self-interest attached to it," he pointed out.

Gordon said that the exercise represents more than aesthetic improvement.

"It symbolises collaboration, civic pride and a shared commitment to maintaining safe, healthy spaces. This is honoured duty," he pointed out.

"What we have here is an excellent partnership that displays one government... teamwork makes the dream work, and if all of us see the duty as a collective, it makes it far easier," he added.

Gordon noted that while the NSWMA's core duty is the removal of domestic waste "we are concerned with waste wherever it is and so, we have been partnering with different agents of government, private sector and churches".

Inspector Heather McLean, for her part, expressed gratitude to the NSWMA for collaborating with the Constant Spring Police in the clean-up activity.

"This project was conceptualised a long time ago. We were trying to beautify the space and it seemed like we were not reaching anywhere," she told JIS News, noting that she reached out to Gordon for assistance.

Inspector McLean said the hope is that the cleaning of the station grounds will encourage more residents to visit the facility to make reports and interact with the officers, helping to improve the police-citizen relationship.

- JIS

We want to hear from you! Email us at star@gleanerjm.com and follow @thejamaicastar on Instagram and on X @JamaicaStar and on Facebook: @TheJamaicaStar, or on Whatsapp @ 876-550-250