SRO’s dispatched in numbers across the island for start of the new academic term

Durrant Pate/Contributor

The streets of Jamaica were today saturated with police personnel to cauterise the usual back-to-school traffic woes, as the new academic year got off to the usual busy start this morning.

Our Today traversed the Corporate Area throughout today to observe happenings, and it was the same as usual and as expected, with busy streets and bumper-to-bumper traffic in school zones, as parents take their children to school on the first day of the new academic year. The police presence was heavy, and the motoring traffic was bustling. Traffic was heavy along Red Hills Road, Waltham Park, Duhaney Park, parts of downtown Kingston, Half-Way-Tree and Molynes Road.

As the new school term gets underway, the police will continue to work alongside educators, parents and students to help ensure a safe and incident-free school term. From updated school safety protocols to advanced youth engagement strategies, the police were equipped in numbers, focused and energised to support students, teachers and parents. 

SROs hitting the ground early

Motorists are being urged by the police to consider alternative routes where possible, particularly in areas where road conditions could contribute to congestion. Police School Resource Officers (SROs) hit the ground early, strategically based in the vicinity of many schools, directing, diverting, managing and monitoring traffic flows, fully prepared to keep students safe. 

​To ensure full readiness for reopening, SROs from Areas 4 and 5 were the most recent group to complete comprehensive refresher training last week. During their school visits, SROs were greeted by the respective principals, Deans of Discipline and members of staff. 

Discussions were held regarding expectations for the new school term, the roles and functions of SROs and the importance of collaboration between schools and the police in achieving a secure and productive learning environment. 

Managing the situation in Western Jamaica

Over in the western section of the island….The St. James Police has put measures in place to maintain a smooth flow of traffic and ensure public safety as schools reopened today. 

Situation out west 

Operations Officer for St. James Division, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Rodrick Reid reports that teams from stations across the parish were ordered out from as early as 3:00 a.m.

Personnel will be positioned at major intersections where heavy traffic is anticipated to prevent congestion and ensure free movement. He said patrol teams will be on high alert to respond to any roadblocks and other disruptions and keep major traffic corridors open. 

The St. James Police say they will be closely monitoring the Rose Hall corridor, where phase one of the Western Water Resilience Project is in progress. Motorists traversing that area are encouraged to factor in extra travel time. DSP Reid says the lawmen will maintain a presence in the area to reduce congestion. 

He made a special appeal to drivers to look out for students traversing the roadways, especially younger children who will be attending school for the first time.