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JCF strategic development key to success of five-pillar crime strategy - Chang

Published:Sunday | February 10, 2019 | 12:00 AM
National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang

National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang says the strategic development of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is important to the success of the government's five-pillar crime plan.

“As a Government, we have taken time to look at the problem, and the way forward is to focus on outfitting the force with communications, technology, mobility, physical development (minimum standard purpose-built facilities), human resource development and proper tools and equipment to improve policing in Jamaica,” Chang said.

Speaking at a panel discussion during the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus’ recent Research Days 2019, the security minister noted that a 2018 study indicated a link between station performance (responsiveness/attentiveness of police officers) and crime outcomes (murders and shootings).

“The JCF’s mobility is very important… so we are rebuilding the police force’s fleet. This (fiscal) year we bought 150 new vehicles, and next year we may buy another 400. We will also be implementing a management system… one that (indicates) where the police vehicles are… and (also) to have a routine maintenance system in place that is effective,” he further outlined.

In addition to bolstering the JCF fleet, the government is also effecting improvements to several police stations islandwide.

These include Balaclava, St Elizabeth; Denham Town, Kingston; Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland; and Green Island, Hanover.

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