St. James police report orderly start to new school term

 

Police in St. James were out in full force on the first day of the new school term, helping to ensure students made it safely off the streets and into their classrooms. 

 

Deputy Superintendent Peter Salkey, Territorial officer and Zone 3 Commander for St. James, said the term got off to an orderly start.

 

"All the other patrols were out and one of their main focus is back to school activities this morning, ensuring that students are off the road. Based on my understanding, there have been no major incidents. Schools started smoothly," he reported. 

 

However, DSP Salkey said he received word that some students at St. James High School were locked out. 

 

"I have not yet spoken with the administration as to why they have been locked out. I don't know if it has to do with dress code or [being] late. I'm uncertain. Nevertheless, we'll have a discussion surrounding this," he said. 

 

DSP Salkey noted that the presence of the police is part of a broader effort to promote safety and punctuality among students as the academic year begins.

 

"All police personnel and other stakeholders, the justices of the peace and so on, have been spoken with and community members have been spoken with to ensure that the corners where we know these students are likely to hang out, we pay special attention to them so that we can get students off the road, not just in the morning to go to school, also in the evening to clear the streets because we don't want to see them at night, loitering in their uniform. Getting them off the street is our priority," he maintained, outlining the importance of discipline to achieving educational goals. 

 

He said the police in collaboration with Deans of Discipline will be carrying out searches to prevent injuries and ensure the safety of students.