St. James Police working to rebuild trust in Granville

 

The police are working to rebuild a trust in Granville, St. James after the controversial killing of 45-year-old Latoya 'Buju' Bulgin tested relations. 

 

Ms. Bulgin was shot dead by a police officer on May 17 during an altercation with police personnel who were responding to a protest. 

 

The shooting caused widespread outrage in the community and online. 

 

Operations Officer for St. James, Deputy Superintendent Rodrick Reid said despite the incident, the police and residents are jointly making an effort to mend relations which has so far resulted in a relative calm across the area. 

 

"We have reached out and we have partnered with the community and, thus far, we have not seen any such flare up of whether it is violence, whether it is the blocking of roads. We have also had numerous community meetings inside the Granville space here. We have also allowed for entertainment, some of which we would have not seen any incidents of violent nature and we want that to continue. We, the police, have instituted here in Granville that all our patrols, the personnel are equipped with body-worn cameras," he outlined.

 

The police also hosted a back-to-school treat for students on Saturday at Granville Primary and Infant School. 

 

"Even though it is a small token, it goes a long way in assisting them with this new upcoming school year and so we want to give back to the community. We are partnering with one of the residents here. We also have some sponsors. As you know, we, the police, we are not so financially secure. And so we have, outside of those school supplies, activities that will engage them in fun sessions," said DSP Reid.

 

Residents have welcomed and expressed gratitude for the police's efforts.