Kingston Police Station and Student Presentations

Hi everyone.  We had a busy day today with our guided tour of the Kingston Police Department and student presentations.  We were all pleasantly surprised at the access we were given to the various areas of the police facility.  We began our morning with a presentation by the Department Supervisor.  Everyone was very welcoming and we felt comfortable being there.  We toured the transportation enforcement division in an annex across the street from the main building. Their main task and duties involved keeping the bus system safe. The bus system is the main form of transportation here, not car travel.  We viewed a DVD that they show to new and incoming college students regarding safe travel around the area - particularly the unsafe non-registered cabs.  It was quite graphic and we could see how it would make an impact on students. 

We then went back to the main department and into the detention area (jail and holding cells).  We were able to see inside the cells, their new fingerprinting identification technology and their VERY small medical office where they collect blood samples, DNA or other evidence that involves the body of the accused.  We then also went into their communications area where they field 999 (our 911) calls.  All 999 calls actually go to London to the main dispatch office and then are sent to the appropriate borough departmental office.  We also were able to to see some of their vehicles.  I believe the students thought their version of the "paddy wagon" was especially interesting. They typically do not transport suspects in their cars.  They send the transport van instead.  The police here depend on the numerous CCTV cameras to help them solve crimes and identify potential problem areas.  Another interesting fact is that the typical cop on the beat does not carry a gun. They carry a form of pepper spray and a baton.  Their justification is that no one is allowed to carry firearms so the police do not need to either. "When you roll around on the ground with a drunk, you don't want him to take your weapon and shoot you...so you don't carry!"  You must be specially trained to carry a weapon and some circumstances do merit it.

We decided we would go ahead and do the presentations if everyone was ready so Friday would not be so busy as we prepared to leave.  So after the tour, we went back to the classroom and listened to the presentations.

GOOD JOB EVERYBODY!

Maggie and Brie presented a comparison of Juvenile Crime in the US and UK.

Ashley, Samantha and David discussed Policing of  Juveniles in the UK and US

Lisa and Maria covered Juvenile Courts in the US and UK

Grace, Spencer and Cherelle presented their current events for their independent study