Officer praised for work in Chateau

Police officers stationed at the Chateaubelair Police Station are being praised by some parents for their work with the youths of the community.{{more}}

“I see a big improvement in his behavior ,and he is coming home from school earlier since he joined the police group,” a grandparent of one of the group members told SEARCHLIGHT earlier this week.

Corporal 9 Browne, who is in charge of the Chateaubelair Police Youth Group established in April this year, is pleased with the progress the group is making.

“We get a lot of positive feedback from the parents,” Browne told Searchlight. “The children are more focussed as we try to instill discipline in them, which will help to cut down on idleness,” he stated.

The cop, who is an eighteen-year veteran of the force, said that in addition to the group’s regular Saturday morning exercise sessions, the group held community clean-up sessions and visited the elderly during the summer vacation.

Having himself been a member of youth groups for most of his life, the importance of the group to the development of the youngsters is not lost on Browne. “This group is for life. Even if we are transferred, those who replace us will take over,” he said.

The Chateaubelair group was started by Inspector Arden Tannis who was transferred to the Barrouallie in early August, just about the time Browne was transferred to Chateaubelair.

Browne said he had felt apprehensive about being transferred to Chateaubelair, as it meant he would be away from his children, especially his 15-year-old son who will be writing external examinations next year. He is now, however, inspired by working with the youths and hopes that what he learns can translate into him being an even better father.

Last Saturday evening, the group held a successful concert at the Chateaubelair Methodist School. Browne said that the money raised will be used to fund group activities. (AC)