Contract Signed for Installation of Court Security Systems

A contract valued at $10.7 million, has been signed between the Ministry of Justice and Technology Plus, for the installation of Court Security Systems in courthouses islandwide.
Speaking at the signing ceremony at the Ministry’s office in Kingston, yesterday (May 3), Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Carol Palmer said that, “we will be installing various electronic devices in our courts . to improve the level of security that is in place.”
Among the devices to be installed are cameras, intrusion alarms and metal detectors. The work, which is to begin on May 10, will span a period of six months. Mrs. Palmer revealed that Technology Plus would also be responsible for the maintenance of the systems.
The security of courts and the general poor state of courthouses are acknowledged in the preliminary report on the justice system as major weaknesses. The report, prepared by the Jamaican Justice System Reform Task Force, will recommend the overhaul of the justice system.
Continuing, Mrs. Palmer noted that the Ministry was also implementing practical measures to address the security concerns. “We are taking steps as we build courts too,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary explained that structural security systems would be implemented in the new courts that are being constructed.
She indicated that the Port Antonio Court, which is scheduled to be completed by October this year, would be the first to have these features.