Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Hon. Dr. Horace Chang states that digitization and the use of technology and modern equipment is a crucial part of getting the police force to where it needs to be.
The security minister made the remarks while delivering the main address at the handing over of technology equipment to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) at a function at the Offices of the Commissioner of Police on Wednesday (May 14).
“Our officers are not only better equipped, but they are also more empowered, more productive in holding offenders accountable which is the critical issue,” Minister Chang said.
He expressed also that it is “the government’s position and his commitment to ensure that a fully digitized force can work and that they are well provided for to carry out their function.”
Minister Chang emphasised the value of technology in aiding the police in getting a grip on crime, noting that it is having a direct impact on the police efforts in reigning in criminal elements across the country.
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police. Dr Kevin Blake explained that the acquisition of the six hundred (600) mobile and portable data-capable radios, costing US$2.064 million and the 1,500 mobile printers (JMD$180 million) and 1,000 handheld devices (JMD$164 million) is in continuation of the modernisation of the force’s technology capability.
He mentioned that ,with the enhanced digital enforcement capability and communication across the force, the equipment is necessary as the JCF continues to expand its patrol fleet.
He was speaking against the backdrop of a forty (40) per cent decline in murders and a twenty-one per cent drop in major crimes.
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