A number of private sector agencies have come to the assistance of the Royal Barbados Police Force in providing a police community outpost, through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme.
And, Acting Attorney General, Wilfred Abrahams, has made an appeal for more CSR efforts from the private sector.
This call came during the handing over ceremony of a retrofitted container community outpost to the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) at Lakes Folly, St. Michael, on Wednesday.
Mr. Abrahams commended the private sector for coming to the assistance of the RBPF, and stated: “I welcome the willingness of corporate citizens to contribute to the development of law enforcement…. We all recognize that the police force requires significant resources on a continuous basis, in order to improve the means of providing security and to enhance its community outreach.”
The community outpost, which was in operation since 2012, services the Chapman Lane, New Orleans and Emmerton Lane communities.
The purpose of the RBPF community outposts is to work collaboratively with residents towards a rapid response and resolution of issues; and Deputy Police Commissioner (Operations and Community Policing), Erwin Boyce, gave the assurance that the force would be taking a “modernized, refreshed approach to community policing”, as the RBPF remains more than ever committed to its mission, which is to “deliver the highest quality of policing in partnership with the community to ensure a safe and stable environment”.
Mr. Boyce, in thanking the private sector entities, stated: “Any assistance, support or contribution made, is greatly appreciated…. We give the assurance, and stand by our word, that any investment made in policing will have an impact on the problem solving capacity in society, and lead in a way to make our country safer.”
The retrofitted container was made possible through a collaborative arrangement between the Barbados Private Sector Association (BPSA) and Container Services Limited.
President of the BPSA, Edward Clarke, who was directly involved in the effort, also made an appeal for more private sector entities to display their corporate responsibility.
Mr. Clarke urged other persons in the private sector, who have seen the initiative, to find out how they can help to make a difference, not only to the RBPF, but to communities across Barbados.