PM hails operational work of JCF amid police interception of attempted robbery in Negril
Published:Friday | July 26, 2024 | 6:02 PM
Prime Minister Andrew Holness is hailing the operational improvements of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) which has resulted in the security forces being better placed to repel attacks and combat criminals.
Noting today's incident in Negril, Westmoreland in which the police, acting on intelligence, foiled an attempted robbery that resulted in a firefight that claimed the lives of four men and the injury of a fifth, Holness said this should stand as a warning to criminals as it regards the strengthened operational work of the JCF.
Holness, speaking in Clarendon today, underscored that the Government has invested in the equipment, intelligence, training and leadership of the JCF.
He said this has resulted in a JCF that is stronger strategically and operationally.
“We could say that this is a warning to all the criminals that the JCF of today is not the JCF of 10 years ago. The JCF of today is more strategic, it has an enduring force, it is using intelligence, information, cyber, all kinds of intelligence, and is putting it all together in an operational plan which is not just targeted at gangs but it is targeted as masterminds, it is targeted at street level and in my opinion it is very effective and we are seeing the results.”
The Prime Minister said the investment in the JCF and its strategic crime plan is evident.
“There is a visible and tangible change in the operation stance of the JCF but that is as a result of great investments that the government has made in the equipment, in the intelligence, again in the operation such as investigations, but more so, and I think where we are getting the greatest pay off, is the investment in the leadership and training and the development of a very robust law enforcement doctrine in the JCF which we are seeing the result of.
“Just today we got a report of an intelligence-led operation by the security forces which resulted in the interception … and the proactive work in derailing attempts at another robbery and I think that the operation has been very effective, the persons who were involved unfortunately they lost their lives but I'm certain that the security forces took all precautions and used the appropriate force.”
Holness also emphasised the critical importance of fostering a robust relationship between the police and residents to enhance public safety and effectively combat crime.
He highlighted the advancements in the capability to intercept criminals before they commit crimes, leading to their displacement from their deemed comfort zones.
He explained that the key to maintaining peaceful communities is ensuring that there is no space for criminals to operate.
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