Justices of the Peace (JPs) are being called upon to be the first line of defence against crime in their communities by providing information to the police and using their influence to deter violent behaviour.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Romeo Henry, who made the call, said that information is the lifeblood of policing.

“We are not in the community like you are. We have tried our best with the CSS (Community Safety and Security) programmes to partner with the communities to build trust and to get information… but who is better to provide that information than you,” he said.

DSP Henry was addressing the commissioning of new JPs for Portland at Hotel Tim Bamboo on February 19.

He told the JPs that they have a key role to play as the Portland police targets even further reductions in murders this year.

The parish recorded 11 homicides in 2025, which is two less than the previous year.

“Our ambitious target is to be in the single digits. Our murder reduction strategy entails a lot of community engagement, and that is where you really come in,” DSP Henry said.

“We need you to intercept some of this violence in the communities so that we can better achieve our targets for this year. Our commissioner has already told us that we won’t be able to get to those figures unless we get the buy-in from the communities. You are the leaders of those communities so, assist us in that department,” he urged.

Noting that the role of the JPs extends beyond verifying documents and writing recommendations, the deputy superintendent charged them to use their influence to ensure peace, where they can.

“When it is a little bit overwhelming and you know that you’re going to need deeper intervention, then I’m going to ask you to call on us so that we can provide the necessary intervention that is needed,” he said.

“Talk to us; we are partners. We want to make it work,” he added.