Cabinet Approves $280 Million to Boost Capability of JCF

Cabinet has approved $280 million to carry out a number of initiatives aimed at enhancing the crime-fighting capability of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).
Minister of National Security, Derrick Smith, speaking at (Nov. 13) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, said that $100 million of the sum will be used to effect urgent repairs to several police stations that were damaged during the passage of Hurricanes Ivan and Dean.
“Since Hurricane Ivan, some police stations got damaged and have not been repaired, and Hurricane Dean have further aggravated that situation.so Cabinet granted the $100 million which will go somewhere in repairing these police stations and other facilities,” he stated.
In addition, $75 million has been earmarked to increase the level of mobility within the police force through the acquisition of several motor vehicles. According to Minister Smith, the force currently has some 1,400 motor vehicles, of which 27 per cent are more than 10 years old and another 50 per cent are over five years old.
“We are woefully short of vehicles within the force. This $75 million will go somewhere towards bringing in additional cars and other types of vehicles. Christmas is around the corner so at this time of the year, we have extra personnel on the road, and so this comes at a very appropriate and handy time,” he pointed out.
In addition, $75 million will go towards acquiring protective gear for members of the police force. “From time to time you hear complaints from the police, individuals or from the leadership of the Federation regarding the shortage of protective gear – helmets, vests, handcuffs, boots, and clothing. This $75 million will go towards acquiring some of what is urgently needed,” Mr. Smith said.
The remaining $30 million will be used to carry out repairs at the Police Academy in Twickhenham Park, St. Catherine.