The National Neighbourhood Watch Secretariat, in conjunction with the community relations branch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, is now assisting with the reshaping and redefining of the role of the Neighbourhood Watch movement.

This in an attempt to make the movement more responsive to the challenges of the time. Part of the mandate of the one-year-old secretariat is for it to help to strengthen the Neighbourhood Watch movement to be better able to influence public policy, the legislative agenda and more effectively deal with social and environmental issues.

This according to Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in charge of Community Relations, Leon Rose, who pointed out that the statistics indicate that young people are the main perpetrators and the main victims of crime.

"An organisation like the Neighbourhood Watch," he said, "must also focus on community empowerment and youth development and it must become involved with the resocialisation and re-engagement process."

ACP Rose was addressing the official launch of Jamaica's 620th NeighbourhoodWatch at the picturesque Twin Palms Estate in Clarendon, recently.

He also unveiled the Twin Palms Estate Neighbourhood Watch sign at the entrance to the upscale community, located on the outskirts of May Pen.