Some 700 additional police personnel are to be deployed across the island for the Christmas season.

Deputy Commissioner in charge of operations Clifford Blake, who made the announcement this morning, says the additional personnel will be taken from desk duties, the police academy and other areas of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

He says these police personnel will be tasked with public safety issues such as crime prevention as well as traffic and vending control.

Blake was speaking at a press conference held at the police headquarters to sensitise the public about some of the measures that will be employed by the police to ensure a safe holiday season.

Head of the Police Traffic Division Senior Superintendent Calvin Lewis announced that more than 200 portable breathalyser machines have been deployed to police personnel across the island.

He says the aim is not to scare motorist, but to ensure that drivers use the roadways with the highest level of awareness and responsibility.