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Security Minister Announces Medium-Term Measures to Fight Crime

By: , September 29, 2016

The Key Point:

Minister of National Security, Hon. Robert Montague, has announced several medium-term measures to assist in the reduction of criminal activities, in light of the recent upsurge in violence in St. James.
Security Minister Announces Medium-Term Measures to Fight Crime
Minister of National Security, Hon. Robert Montague. (FILE)

The Facts

  • Mr. Montague said the Government is concluding discussions with the Government of Cuba for a forensic pathologist to be dispatched in St. James.
  • The Minister pointed out that all entertainment events catering to more than 1,000 patrons must have in place closed-circuit television cameras, and the promoter must preserve the footage for at least 30 days.

The Full Story

Minister of National Security, Hon. Robert Montague, has announced several medium-term measures to assist in the reduction of criminal activities, in light of the recent upsurge in violence in St. James.

In an address to the House of Representatives on September 28, the Minister said two Coast Guard bases will be established in western Jamaica – one in Savanna-la-Mar and the other by the Montego Bay cruise-ship pier.

Mr. Montague also said 200 pre-owned vehicles are being procured for allocation across police divisions.

“We are committed to upgrading police stations islandwide, but in particular St. James,” he noted, adding that the Ministry is also procuring 20 mobile police stations.

The Minister informed that 40 dogs are being secured from Cuba for drug and gun detection in the fight against trafficking of narcotics, in addition to search and rescue.

Discussions are also being undertaken with the Ministry with responsibility for Housing to upgrade informal communities.

In addition, a lawyer is to be engaged in St. James to help clear and build case files.

Mr. Montague said the Government is concluding discussions with the Government of Cuba for a forensic pathologist to be dispatched in St. James.

Meanwhile, some 200 more Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) graduates are to be stationed in St. James by the end of December.

The Minister pointed out that all entertainment events catering to more than 1,000 patrons must have in place closed-circuit television cameras, and the promoter must preserve the footage for at least 30 days.

He said the Cornwall Dairy building in the parish is being retrofitted by the Jamaica Defence Board (JDF) Engineering Regiment to house an augmentation force of the JCF.

Also, there is to be an increase in the use of technology in policing and security surveillance.

To date, the police have arrested the two main perpetrators of violence, recovered three guns and 66 rounds of ammunition.

Mr. Montague added that the police have detained 98 persons, 37 of whom have been arrested and charged.

Last Updated: September 29, 2016

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