She says greater community involvement is necessary for the prevention and detection of crimes. The Commissioner encourages citizens to play their part in ensuring youth especially are not persuaded to enter a life of crime. On the police end of things, Pelius promises more professional and highly trained officers who will be prepared for any eventuality.
“[2024] will see marked changes in our community policing culture, with a greater thrust on more time being committed to being within the communities we serve. There must be greater emphasis placed on building trust and maintaining that trust with the public,” the COP said during the Force’s End of Year News Conference.
Pelius adds that youth will be front and centre in the police’s crime reduction efforts. Without youth involvement, the police’s efforts will be in vain.
“Several existing programs such as the Prince Trust program and other youth-based programs will receive additional support from my office, as I believe it is impossible to manage crime without youth involvement. Stemming from conversations with youth engaged in the arts and entertainment, I am certain that they wish to participate in transformative activities and share a common interest in reducing crime in their communities.”
On the police end of things, she says training, as well as psychosocial support, will be made available for officers. She says too often police suffer from health complications or are unable to cope with mental stresses.
“I am a strong proponent of holistic approaches to dealing with issues. As a consequence, this year I intend [to undertake] health-related initiatives targeting officers. In 2023, we sadly lost 6 members through illness and tragedy. This cannot be a continuous cycle. Officers will be offered medical interventions as well as mental health support. If we are ailing in any way, we cannot adequately serve,” the Commissioner announced.
The Commissioner says the Force will not operate in isolation but will work alongside multiple stakeholders to address crime.