Service delivery gets a lot more comfortable

According to chairperson of the forum, Jean Berdou, the centre is fully equipped with air conditioning, electronic notice boards and other modern features and has been designed to accommodate far more members of the public in a user-friendly manner.

There are now disabled toilets, new benches, greatly-expanded work areas and fully refurbished fixtures and fittings among some of the new features in the facility. Residents waiting in line at the station can also watch TV. All the new TVs were installed free of charge by Henry Smith of HM Contracting Services.

The centre is manned by trained forum volunteers in addition to police staff. Under the leadership of forum member Freda Boiles, volunteers operate during most peak hours and evenings before 9pm to assist the public with all their queries and dealings they have with the police.

Berdou said the forum currently has about 40 volunteer operatives and is looking to expand on this. “We have received substantial numbers of compliments for the added service delivery assistance and contrary to the impression of a few critics, most have expressed satisfaction with their interaction with the station,” he said.

Berdou added that the forum’s goal is to assist in lifting service delivery levels and to be part of the solution rather than the ranks of ‘armchair critics’.

“It is true that we have some considerable way to go to address community concerns in their interactions with the police, especially in light of recent adverse publicity surrounding events at our precinct station, but the fact remains that history teaches us adverse circumstances shall be changed by those prepared to stand up and make a positive difference,” he said.

Berdou urged the community to consider joining the forum’s volunteer team. Candidates will be screened and will receive training.

Details: FredaBoiles@gmail.com

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