PSTEB Gets 74 New Bikes

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB) today (December 1) received an additional 74 new bikes, valued at $63.913 million.

This will take the total number of motorcycles acquired for the JCF since financial year 2018/2019 to 435 at a cost of more than $300 million.

Speaking at the handover ceremony at the Office of the Police Commissioner in Kingston, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, said the handover is signal of the Government’s commitment to build out the strength of the police force in all areas to ensure public safety and good order.

“It gives them the capacity to deal with the emerging criminal actors who are adapting and evolving into all kinds of approaches to their criminal activities,” Dr. Chang said.

He noted that PSTEB has done a tremendous job since it was established, adding that they have demonstrated an effectiveness in reducing criminal activities and bringing about order.

The Minister also mentioned that the JCF’s Quick Response Teams play a pivotal role in efforts to restore order, by supporting response in townships across the island.

“The bikes, they ride them hard, they work hard and, therefore, they don’t last as long as you would want, but they are maintaining them well and that is why we have to keep adding. We expect that in due course the Quick Response Teams will be in all parishes,” Dr. Chang said.

Teams are currently located in the Corporate Area, St. Catherine North/South, Clarendon, Manchester, St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, St. James and St. Ann.

Plans are in place to expand to Hanover and St. Mary.

“The Quick Response Teams are elite in the JCF. They are well trained; they handle the bikes well and their interest out there is to prevent [illegal activities]. They are prepared and for those who like to disregard the efficiency of the police force and take them on, I am just reminding them that they are trained, not only in riding well, but they are trained to take on the combatants effectively and efficiently,” the Minister said.

He further noted that the Quick Response Teams are a critical part of safety, especially at this time of the year.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dr. Kevin Blake, said mobility is essential in responding effectively to citizens’ need for policing services.

“Our ability to deliver timely response is critical in effective policing. In enhancing our visibility in communities, other public spaces and all roadways, these 48 Yamaha and 26 CB Twister motorcycles will enhance our commitment to citizen safety and help us to create communities and a nation that is resilient to crime and disorder,” Dr. Blake said.