By Balford Henry, Acting News Editor
Stevens
JAMAICA AND United Kingdom police commissioners are expected to reveal details of a plan of co-operation, described yesterday as "new and unique" by Sir John Stevens, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service, Scotland Yard, London.
Sir John told The Gleaner that joint knowledge of the "to-ing and fro-ing" of Jamaican criminals between London and Jamaica had triggered efforts at co-operation between both police forces. This has led to intense discussions over the past two days, involving the leadership of both police forces as well as the Jamaican Government and the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party, toward a joint effort against the criminals.
"The way that we have been working very hard for the last day or two, I think we are going to have some announcements which are quite exciting and unique," Sir John said, in reference to a press conference scheduled for the end his tour this afternoon.
"The fact that the Commissioner of police, the so-called senior Police officer of the United Kingdom is here for the first time ever, is an indication of our superb working relationships.
"So we are going to try and build on those working relationships and build them up in a way that actually delivers for all of us - the people of Jamaica, people in the United Kingdom and in London, in particular. So for everybody, I think there is a lot which we will be announcing which is unique and quite exciting in terms of breaking new boundaries and taking initiatives for it," he said.
He said that, in general terms, it would signal a new form of collaboration between the UK and Jamaican security authorities.
"We will be meeting with the Opposition as well tomorrow to see that they are in favour and indeed they are. We met some of their representatives last night," he said, noting that it was very important to have an agreement "right across the board".
He said the uniqueness of the proposals was the "two-way" approach being planned.
Sir John said that while he had held discussions with the Jamaican Commissioner of Police, Francis Forbes, on several occasions, he had not been to the island before and welcomed the opportunity for the visit.
Although he did not reveal details of the programme expected to be announced today, The Gleaner understands that they will basically formalise a number of proposals hinted at by the Minister of National Security, Dr. Peter Phillips, and Commissioner Forbes over previous months.
These include increased use of ION Scan equipment and communication and surveillance equipment at all local ports as well as training and legal support for the seizure of assets of convicts.
The British are also expected to finance a special anti-narcotics squad, the first such local police squad, to intensify pressure on civilians involved with drugs.
An exchange of policemen is also expected.
