PRIME MINISTER P.J. Patterson last night announced that the government would be stepping up the fight against crime with
new vehicles, new police stations, new technology, a new Coast Guard base and new foreign expertise.
In a broadcast to the nation, he said crime and violence continue to be, "a most troubling aspect of national life," pointing to the wanton killing of children and the elderly.
"One hundred new motorcycles are set to be on the streets in another week, in addition to one hundred and fifty new all-terrain vehicles which will arrive next month," he said. "This will help to improve the level of mobility by the security forces."
Mr. Patterson added: "A new Coast Guard base to be established in Black River, St. Elizabeth, later this month is expected to improve surveillance and interdictions of illegal drugs, guns and ammunition along the south coast. The government is also proceeding with legislative action as well as the acquisition of new technology to facilitate greater reliance on forensic science in solving crime."
FIVE NEW STATIONS
He said: "We have recently opened five new stations and a new station will open in May Pen next month. Several existing ones have been repaired and refurbished to improve working conditions for the officers and increase the reach of the force."
"We have taken cooperation with our international partners to another level with the imminent arrival in Jamaica of personnel from Britain's Scotland Yard in operational roles within the Jamaica Constabulary Force," the prime minister continued.
A senior officer from Scotland Yard is to become a member of the commissioning ranks of the JCF as of March. He will be joined by others who will assist in strengthening the investigative capabilities and case preparation skills of the local police.
"We know that the criminal gangs are hurting. We know that Kingfish and the other initiatives have disrupted their operations and drawn the wrath of organised crime and all those who benefit from the ill-gotten gains," he said.
