Government will continue expanding the capacity of the JCF with the building-out of the CCTV network – Minister Chang

The digitization of police operations is the defining feature of 21st-century policing, and requires a plan of action, committed partnerships, and unwavering political will, which the Government of Jamaica is committed to, says Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Hon. Dr Horace Chang.

He was delivering remarks at the Handover Ceremony at the Ministry of National Security, for 210 surveillance cameras from the Government of the Republic of Korea (South Korea), on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

Minister Chang mentioned that as a policy, the Jamaican government has embarked on a multi-pronged approach that targets the development of the infrastructural, technological, scientific, and human dimensions of law enforcement.

“It is this holistic approach to the digital transformation of law enforcement that will result in our officers not only being equipped with new digital tools, but importantly, they will have the technology-enabled capabilities that are required for increased operational efficiency,” the Minister stated.

The cameras were funded by the Korean Government at a total cost of US$400,000.

Minister Chang noted that in the case of the JamaicaEye Programme, the cameras are to be integrated into a centralized system. He pointed out that this system will provide live feed, and will be of evidentiary quality, which then the police will use as evidence in their investigations and support of law enforcement across the entire island.

He reasoned that public order and public safety are a major priority of the government and that in executing the policy, the government has sought to expand the capacity of the Jamaica Constabulary Force to achieve the objectives of public order and public safety.

“We have established the Citizen Security Plan (CSP) which includes the digitization of the security forces. In addition, we have not only increased our commitment in terms of financing from the budget, but we have also sought and engaged our international partners such as the Republic of Korea, which has given us effective support,” the security minister said.

He added that the government continues to expand the capacity of the police force, with the building-out of the CCTV network across the island.

This critical force multiplier, he noted, facilitates the quick and decisive response of law enforcement particularly in urban centres.

Minister Chang remarked that the transformation and modernization efforts of the security forces must be interconnected for them to make practical sense, and must also be sustainable, and benefit the public.

“The Government has given real focus to investing in a comprehensive approach to digitizing and modernizing law enforcement operations. We welcome the continued support of our bilateral partners, such as the Republic of Korea, as we advance these efforts,” Minister Chang said.