Gov’t reiterates commitment to improve and expand security forces’ capacity

Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Courtney Williams (center) and Commissioner of Police, Major General

Antony Anderson (left) test the new motorbikes handed over to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF)

yesterday (September 30) at the Commissioner's Office in Kingston.

Gov’t reiterates commitment to improve and expand security forces’ capacity

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Hon. Dr. Horace Chang says the Government is committed to improving and expanding its security capacity by providing the relevant tools to tackle crime and violence.

“In the urban centres, a functioning Quick Response Team reduces homicide, robberies and all the other criminal activities that goes on in densely populated areas. For example, we have seen major reduction in robberies in Santa Cruz, as well as reduction in homicide in the areas we are deploying the Team,” the Security Minister explained while delivering remarks at the Handing Over Ceremony for motor vehicles and bikes to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) yesterday (September 30).

He added that police officers will be able to respond and act more quickly and decisively “with the new motor vehicles and bikes provided- which is a critical part of policing.”

Minister Chang noted that the Government is working in all areas to ensure that all supporting activities for fit-for-purpose police stations are in alignment with the Ministry’s mandate to establish a safe and secure society.

“Reliable technology, reliable vehicles and fully trained police officers are crucial elements in ensuring we can restore a level of public safety and good order throughout Jamaica,” he emphasized.

Commissioner of Police, Major General Antony Anderson, expressed that the mobility of the Force is a key pillar on which the JCF operates.

“It is critical in an environment where the persons who are doing the wrong things in society are very mobile and we also need to be able to move likewise, intercept them and engage them as necessary,” he explained.

Over 200 million was spent for the 59 high-end motor vehicles and bikes to bolster the mobility of the JCF. Between 2020 and 2021, over 180 new motor vehicles, bikes and L200 pick-ups were also handed over. The Ministry of National is commitment to strengthening its security resources by providing the relevant tools to tackle crime and violence.