Gov't clarifies role of JDF in crime-fighting DESPITE BEING given the full immunities, privileges and protection granted the police under the Defence Act, Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) soldiers called to arms to help quell the violence in parts of the Corporate Area will not be given the right of search and arrests. "My understanding is that they are not going to be allowed to arrest and search. These are still functions that uniquely belong to the Jamaica Constabulary Force," Maxine Henry-Wilson, General Secretary of the People's National Party (PNP) told The Gleaner. She also pointed out that the law gave every Jamaican the power of arrest. Her statement clarifies that issued by Prime Minister P.J. Patterson at Monday's press conference at Jamaica House, where he disclosed that soldiers were to be given the same privileges enjoyed by members of the JDF. Although he stressed that they would engage primarily in the maintenance of cordons and the enforcement of curfews, the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) had expressed concern at the role to be played by the military.
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