covert police for christmas shoppers

COVERT POLICING will be one of the strategies employed this year to boost security in the commercial district of downtown Kingston during the Christmas season.

"Don't be surprised if you see a group of uniformed personnel swoop down on somebody and pick them up. This means that the person would have been under surveillance. We will be having policemen and women operating covertly in the streets of downtown Kingston. They will be our cameras out there, looking out for the criminals," warned Superintendent Mickey Scott, head of the Kingston Central Police Division.

As the nation's capital braces for the Yuletide season, the commanding officer said he has significantly strengthened the division's Street Crime Unit, the bicycle patrol team and the beat and foot patrols.

Though the division's crime statistics is still unacceptable, Superintendent Scott said his team has been busy in the streets, keeping things together. The senior officer explained that there is one particular area leader who his team visits every day as part of their strategic policing to tackle crime in Central Kingston.

"One of the critical things that we have done is taking control of the old Wilmer's car park, which is located across from the Pearnel Charles Arcade. It used to be illegally run by a group of extortionists. We are working in collaboration with the KSAC (Kingston and St Andrew Corporation)," said Scott, who is also appealing to motorists not to entertain persons on the road offering parking at a cost, but to instead call the Kingston Central Police Station.

Also, the lawmen now have a police post inside the St William Grant Park, which will better enhance effective policing in and around the park.

MEETING WITHBUSINESSES

Superintendent Scott said he has been meeting frequently with the business operators, listening to their concerns and finding solutions.

"If you have lodgements to make, don't chance it by yourself. Call us and we will be more than willing to escort you to the bank. If you have been robbed or disrespected by a police officer on the streets of downtown Kingston, please don't hesitate to call us at 922-8860 and report it. The matter will be dealt with," Scott stressed.

The police will once again be collaborating with the KSAC to ensure that the no-vending zones are not violated.

"I know things are tough and every vendor wants to earn a dollar, but we are not letting up. The streets will be kept clear, and there will be no selling in the no-vending zones," the tough-talking Scott warned.