Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, says over three hundred million dollars has been spent since 2018 on motorcycles for the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Quick Response Team.
The Minister noted the need to further build out the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB) arm of the force, which he said is crucial to maintaining and improving public order and to ensure the safety of citizens.
He was speaking at a handover ceremony for seventy-four (74) brand new motorcycles held at the Office of the Commissioner of Police on Friday, December 1.
“The country currently faces challenges of public disorder, which is often accompanied by street crimes that help to erode a feeling of safety and security in our society,” noted Minister Chang.
He stated that in the face of these challenges, “Quick Response Teams play a pivotal role in the government’s effort to restore order by supporting response in townships across the island.”
The Minister further added that the swift and decisive actions of Quick Response Teams across the island have contributed to safety and security in urban spaces.
Currently there are Quick Response Teams in the Corporate Area, St. Catherine North, St. Catherine South, Clarendon, Manchester, St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, St. James and St. Ann.
This addition of motorcycles, valued at approximately sixty-four million dollars, brings the total number of motorcycles under the PSTEB to four hundred and thirty-five (435).
“Further investment will be made to establish a PSTEB unit in Area 1, particularly Hanover. This move, he said, is to bolster PSTEB operations in the Lucea and Green Island spaces,” the security minister noted.
He added that areas such as Annotto Bay, Port Maria and western St. Mary will be reviewed for a similar roll out.
Since the establishment of the Quick Response Teams, their impact has been substantial. Several significant arrests have been made by the teams, which have been intercepting and apprehending individuals immediately after they have committed serious crimes.
The Quick Response Teams have also contributed to the recovery of a significant number of illegal firearms.
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