We expect them to protect and serve us but police officers will tell you their job involves much more than just keeping the peace. That is why during police week we’ve watched officers reach out to the community in city tours and talk shows demonstrating that good policing is as much about good PR as it is about competent PCs.
Today that PR campaign dovetailed nicely with community service as Assistant Commissioner Maureen Leslie and her staff served lunch to residents at the Sister Cecilia Home for the Elderly. The Officer Commanding Eastern Division says this is the kind of outreach that looks good, but feels better.
Maureen Leslie, Assistant Police Commissioner
“We are here this morning just celebrating and serving mid-day lunch with the guests here. We also brought personal gifts for each of them.”
Keith Swift,
“For the police what’s the significance of this gesture?”
Maureen Leslie,
“It’s important because we are talking about the police and the community. And the inmates here they are still members of the community. They are alive and kicking so they are part of our community so we are doing our portion with them today.”
“It tends to be a bit lonely for them and it’s only when people like ourselves come in and talk to them that they feel like they are still a part of the community. It’s very relaxing for us and we feel like we are appreciated and we love being here.”
Lunch was served to 50 residents at the home the oldest being Amanda Jones who is 101 years old. Different crews were dispatched district-wide to serve lunch to residents at the Golden Haven Rest Home, the Rockview Mental Hospital, and the Youth Hostel.
Police week wraps up tomorrow morning with a parade, which leaves the Yabra green at 10 in the morning. It will head through downtown Belize City to the Queen Street police station. Police Commissioner Jose Zetina will then officially the close the week followed by a social.