Prime Minister Holness Commends Police for Visible, Tangible and Proactive Operational Improvements
“This is a warning to all the criminals that the JCF of today is not the JCF of 10 years ago. The JCF of today is more strategic, it has an enduring force, it is using intelligence, information, cyber all kinds of intelligence and it is putting all together.”
– Prime Minister Holness
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Prime Minister Andrew Holness has commended the improved operations of the Jamaica Constabulary Force as the police move to strategically deal with crime in the country.
The Prime Minister noted that this is the result of a deliberate policy decision to invest in the equipment, intelligence, training and leadership of the JCF.
Prime Minister Holness says operation in Negril Westmoreland today (July 26), where police confronted alleged robbers, is the result of improved intelligence work by the police.
“We could say that this is a warning to all the criminals that the JCF of today is not the JCF of ten years ago. The JCF of today is more strategic, it has an enduring force it is a using intelligence, information cyber and all kinds of intelligence and I is putting it all together in an operational plan which is not just targeted at gangs but it is targeted as masterminds, it is targeted at street level and in my opinion it is very effective and we are seeing the results.”
The Prime Minister says the investment in the JCF and its strategic crime plan is evident.
“There is a visible and tangible change in the operation stance of the JCF but that is as a result of great investments that the governments have made in the equipment, in the intelligence, again in the operation such as investigations but more so and I think where we are getting the greatest pay off is the investment in the leadership and training and the development of a very robust law enforcement doctrine in the JCF which we are seeing the result of. Just today we got a report of an intelligence lead operation by the security forces which resulted in the interception and the proactive work in derailing other robberies and I think that the operation has been very effective, the persons who were involved, unfortunately they lost their lives but I an certain that the security forces took all precautions and used the appropriate force.”
The Prime Minister noted that the security forces took all precautions and used appropriate force.
In the meantime, Prime Minister Holness also emphasized the critical importance of fostering a robust relationship between the police and residents to enhance public safety and effectively combat crime.
Prime Minister Holness highlighted the advancements in the capability to intercept criminals before they commit crimes, leading to their displacement from their deemed comfort zones..
The Prime Minister noted that displaced criminals might seek refuge in peaceful communities, necessitating a strong, proactive police-community bond to prevent them from finding shelter or protection.
“What we need to create in Jamaica, is a bond between the police and the citizens. The citizens need to realize that the police is here to protect them and we want them to understand that their security is best served by the police force,” Prime Minister Holness said.
He explained that the key to maintaining peaceful communities is ensuring that there is no space for criminals to operate.
“It is important that the police develop a strong relationship with the residents, ensuring that there is no encouragement or protection offered to these individuals within communities,” the Prime Minister remarked.
This mutual understanding said Prime Minister Holness will significantly diminish the opportunities for criminals to exploit community spaces.
Prime Minister Holness commended the efforts of the police force, noting that positive reports and effective strategies are indicative of progress.
“The general strategy is working, and it is reassuring to see the positive impact. I extend my compliments to the men and women of our police force for their hard work and commitment to keeping our communities safe, “Prime Minister Holness mentioned.
The Prime Minister’s call to action aims to strengthen the partnership between law enforcement and citizens, thereby creating a united front against criminals to ensure a safer environment for all Jamaicans.
Prime Minister Holness was speaking on Friday (July 26) at the handing over of a house under the New Social Housing Programme, NSHP in Clarendon.