Make use of domestic violence intervention services, St Thomas police urge residents

Amid incidents of domestic violence, the police in St Thomas are urging residents to utilise the outreach resources provided by law enforcement in the parish to help mitigate against these cases.

"We have domestic violence units set up, one in Morant Bay and another in Yallahs. Both are properly manned by sub-officers. Once persons come to the station and it involves domestic violence, they are referred there. So we are asking persons to make use of them," noted Acting Deputy Superintendent of Police Leonard Kinlocke, operations officer for the parish.

The latest appeal follows charges laid against two men today for abuse and firearm possession, stemming from an assault and subsequent search of a premises in Yallahs last weekend.

According to detectives, both men visited a house in Heartease last Thursday, where one of their ex-girlfriends lives.

An argument reportedly developed, during which the ex-boyfriend began to assault the woman.

Police said a passing policeman saw what was happening and attempted to intervene when the man drew what appeared to be a firearm from his waistband and pointed it at the officer before entering a motor car and fleeing with the other man.

That prompted an investigation, which led cops to the man’s home.

There, an imitation firearm was reportedly found concealed inside a concrete block at the back of the premises.

The second man was later picked up nearby.

Both were charged with the use of a firearm to commit a felony, assault at common law, possession of a prohibited weapon, and assaulting a female.

"Once people come to these locations, they will receive counselling and other resources, as well as follow-ups from the domestic violence unit personnel. So, we do have a good system in place, along with the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) and Restorative Justice personnel in the parish, who also provide mediation," Kinlocke said.

"Some issues can, and have been, dealt with at that level. So we are urging people to make use of the services."

- Corey Robinson

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