Cops take over Westmoreland church

Several policemen took over the Grange Hill New Testament Church last Sunday, preaching, singing and reading scriptures as they joined forces with the congregation and the wider community.

Senior Superintendent Gary McKenzie, commanding officer for the Westmoreland Police Division, told THE STAR that the church service was selected because of the gang violence that erupted in the community some weeks ago. On May 1, seven persons were murdered, including two children, while eight others were injured.

"It wasn't a direct initiative for the upsurge, but I must admit that area was chosen because of what happened, so we thought that a church service, which was initiated and run by the police, would show the citizens that the police care and actually worship with them and visit with them," he told THE STAR.

NOT LIMITED

He was also quick to point out that their outreach was not limited to the place of worship.

"It was not just the church service alone that went on. The church service was held and then the police actually went through and visited the homes of some of the victims," he explained.

To build confidence in security forces and create a greater unity among the residents in certain areas, McKenzie is hoping that the policemen will continue to have a presence in the area.

"It is an initiative that will continue because we move around the different community, especially those that are experiencing a bit of disquiet," he said.