Commissioner of Police Appeals for Public Support

Commissioner of Police, Major General Antony Anderson, is appealing to the public to support the police in their efforts to make their neighbourhood safe.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Montego Bay Convention Centre on May 3, Commissioner Anderson reminded Jamaicans that there are several communication lines to make reports against criminals, while maintaining anonymity.

“You have the option to text, call or write your report. You can call 311, 119 or Crime Stop. Just report all criminal activities to the police,” he urged.

“Be on the lookout for suspicious persons who may seek refuge in your area, especially in the deep-rural parishes, and if you know anyone hiding or harbouring persons of interest, report this to us,” the Commissioner added.

He said the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is also utilising the intelligence in the various arms of the JCF, and is working with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) in its operations to catch the criminals.

The Commissioner reassured that the detainees would be processed in the shortest possible time, in keeping with human rights standards.

He pointed out that the operations are not only targeting active members of criminal gangs, but also a network of individuals and business owners and operators who finance and facilitate the illegal activities of the criminals.

“Criminal gangs and criminal activities are networks, groups of people from different areas of the society that come together, so our response to them will be likewise – systematic,” Commissioner Anderson said.

Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in charge of the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime (CTOC) Branch, Fitz Bailey, said the police will be tactical and relentless in their quest to get the guns and the criminals.

“Intelligence is being shared with the commanding officers of the neighbouring parishes, so when suspects attempt to cross borders, operational teams can be activated to go in pursuit of the suspects,” ACP Bailey said.

He also reminded that there is a monetary reward for information leading to the seizure of guns and the arrest and conviction of suspects.