In his message at the Jamaica Constabulary Force's (JCF) Christmas Carol service Thursday night, Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas urged members of the force to be vigilant throughout the Christmas season.

"As we recommit ourselves to keeping our country safe, I urge my colleagues to be especially vigilant during the Yuletide season. This is the time of year when overindulgence, especially of alcoholic beverages, leads unsuspecting persons to become victims of crime," he warned.

"Despite the distraction of the festivities, it is our responsibility to remain calm and focused, in order to protect these people, and we must do our utmost to shepherd them into the new year unharmed."

Commissioner Thomas told his colleagues to pay special attention to the aged, children who are dispossessed, and those who are particularly challenged.

"Give of yourselves to those in need of the affection, attention and care. That is the best gift, which comes straight from the heart," he said.

Challenging year

"I know you will agree with me that the year 2006 was a challenging yet rewarding one for the Jamaica Constabulary Force. Although we still have a far way to go in terms of affording the Jamaican people a more effective and professional police service, we have made significant strides towards this goal over these past 12 months.

The police commissioner said that, currently, the police force is better equipped to fight crime in a more definitive way as the acquisition of new technology; such as the Automated Palm Fingerprinting Identification System (APFIS), the Integrated Ballistic System along with 20 new boats, which have greatly enhanced its capabilities in protecting the country's citizens as well as its coastlines.