The police youth Club movement, an important and integral part of the Jamaica Constabulary Force's Police Community Relations Branch, has helped to mould the life of young people across the island since its inception in 1954.

Natasha-Lee Thompson, who joined the club at age 15 at the urging of a police officer, says that the movement has helped her to develop self-confidence and important life skills.

"The Police Youth Club has impacted my life in a very positive way in that I once was a very shy person, but since being a part of the club, I have sort of got rid of that. I have got a higher self-esteem and self-confidence, which has resulted in me becoming more outspoken," she told JIS News.

Natasha-Lee, who is part of the Clarendon Division of clubs, was named the Police Youth Clubbite for 2006/07. She is encouraging other young persons to become part of the movement, noting that the clubs play an important role in the development of the youth in the communities in which they operate.

"The clubs have moulded people's lives in a very positive way, especially now with the crime and violence in the society. We have police personnel, and other resource persons that will come in and speak to us about HIV, pregnancy and career choices, so I believe the clubs help to expose our youth to things out there in the wider society," Natasha-Lee says.

She said members also benefit from training through the HEART Trust/NTA and the National Youth Service.

Natasha-Lee notes that "some persons once they hear the name (Police Youth Club) they think that it is all about the police, but I will tell them that they should not make this hinder them from joining the clubs," noting that "the police are "only there as leaders to help supervise the smooth running of the clubs".

"It's all about the youths; youths are the ones in the positions, they are the ones that will be benefiting from whatever is done in the organisation. It is not the police, they are just there to supervise the smooth running of the youth clubs," she said.