Construction and improvement work at the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Lathbury Barracks, at Up Park Camp, will continue this financial year. The project, which falls under the Ministry of National Security, is being financed from Consolidated Fund at a cost of $350 million. This is outlined in the 2017-18 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives. Anticipated targets...

The Government will be fast-tracking the implementation of accompanying regulations for the DNA Evidence Act during the 2017/18 legislative year. This is expected to, among other things, facilitate the activation of the National DNA Register that will be pivotal in forensic investigations by the police. National Security Minister, Hon. Robert Montague, made the disclosure while speaking with journalists following Thursday’s...

Minister of National Security, Hon. Robert Montague, is urging the public to take steps to ensure their personal safety while also looking out for the safety of their neighbours. During a press conference at Jamaica House on February 8, he reiterated the call for persons to download the Stay Alert app and to use the panic button installed in emergencies....

The Department of Correctional Services has received 700 pieces of riot gear from the United States Government, valued at US$90,000. The equipment, which will assist Correctional Officers in carrying out their duties and quelling disturbances which may arise in the facilities, includes: 100 riot batons, 100 riot baton holders, 100 riot helmets with visors, 50 handcuffs, 100 goggles, 50 metal...

The Government has put forward a robust legislative agenda for the 2017-18 fiscal year, including the tabling of a new Police Service Act to replace the Jamaica Constabulary Force Act, which will support the modernisation and transformation of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). The Act will facilitate the development of a modern intelligence-led police service that ensures citizen security, with...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the Government is committed to facilitating a culture of responsiveness and sensitivity in the police force to reports of domestic and sexual violence. Addressing a press conference at Jamaica House on February 9, Mr. Holness said an additional cohort of 400 officers will be trained this year in conflict resolution and domestic...

The Government has identified the reduction of crime as its most urgent priority and a national imperative. This was disclosed by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, who was delivering his 2017-18 Throne Speech in Gordon House today (Feb. 9). He said the Government is focused on fulfilling a five-pillar security strategy to comprehensively and strategically address...