Safe & Ready: School Safety and Protection Strategies for the New School Year in Jamaica

"It Takes a Village": School Safety Strategies in Jamaica

As part of our ongoing Back-to-School Live Forum Series, Serenity Resource Connector (SRC) hosted a powerful and timely discussion on strategies to keep our children safe as they return to school. In collaboration with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (Area 3 Police), supported by the Community Safety and Security Branch Headquarters and the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), this forum was filled with critical insights, real-life examples, and practical tips for parents, educators, and community members.

Featured Speakers

• DSP Melecia Morrison, Territorial Officer, JCF Area 3

• Sergeant Andrew Williams, Assistant National Safe Schools Coordinator, JCF CSSB HQ

• Rohan Burrell, Assistant Manager, St. Augustine Place of Safety for Boys, CPFSA

Key Issues Raised

1. Alarming Trends in School Violence:

Area 3 reported increasing incidents involving weapons on school grounds, brawls, stabbings, and even fatalities. External threats, including parental altercations and criminal attacks, have led to school closures and trauma within the student population.

2. Digital Dangers:

Online exposure to inappropriate content and risky interactions was highlighted, with calls for increased digital monitoring and parental engagement.

3. Emotional and Psychological Vulnerabilities:

Signs of abuse, neglect, and emotional distress in children are becoming harder to detect but more prevalent, requiring proactive attention from all adults.

Strategic Responses

The following school safety strategies are being employed across Area 3 (Jamaica):

Safe Schools Programme:

The JCF has deployed more trained School Resource Officers (SROs) across high-risk institutions. These officers assist with discipline, mentorship, incident response, and school patrols, creating a stronger security presence.

Community & Youth Engagement:

From Police Youth Clubs and mentorship initiatives to the G.R.A.P.E. Programme for suspended students, Area 3 police are proactively investing in positive youth development.

Collaboration with CPFSA:

The CPFSA and JCF coordinate rapid interventions, handle reports of abuse, manage places of safety, and ensure children’s rights are upheld.

Empowering Parents

Parents play a central role in creating safe environments. DSP Morrison and Sergeant Williams urged:

• Active participation in PTAs and school life

• Use of parental control apps and digital supervision

• Creating a home where children feel safe to disclose difficult experiences

• Knowing key school personnel: Deans of discipline, guidance counsellors, SROs

  
  

Failure to report abuse or neglect is a legal offence under the Child Care and Protection Act.

Safeguarding Starts at Home

Mr Burrell from the CPFSA walked viewers through how to detect:

• Physical abuse: unexplained bruises, flinching

• Sexual abuse: avoidance of specific adults, sudden behavioural shifts

• Emotional abuse: withdrawal, substance use, self-harm

• Neglect: poor hygiene, hoarding food, chronic absenteeism

He also introduced the SMART Rule for online safety:

• Safe – Keep private information private

• Meet – Never meet strangers from online

• Accept – Don’t click unknown links

• Reliable – Verify content

• Tell – Report anything that feels wrong

What Can You Do?

As Sergeant Williams reminded us:

"If you don’t influence your child, someone else will."

Practical Steps for Families:

• Check your child’s books, devices, and peer groups

• Know your child’s routine and transport methods

• Establish consistent rules at home and school

• Attend town hall meetings and stay informed

The Village Must Rise Again

DSP Morrison’s closing message echoed the collective call to action:

"Be proud to be an informer when it comes to protecting a child. Don’t wait - report it."

Emergencies?

• Police: 119

• CPFSA Hotline: 211

• Anonymous Tip Line: 311

Let’s return to a culture where every child is our child and safety is everyone’s responsibility.

What’s Next?

📌 Join Us Live:

• Part 3 – Early Childhood Commission

  📅 Tuesday, 8:00 PM

• Part 4 – Community Corner with the Ministry of Education (Region 7)

  📅 Thursday, 8:00 PM

📺Watch the full conversation below:

🔔 Stay Informed:

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Together, let’s make schools and our communities safe and ready.