Contracts Signed to Upgrade Five Police Stations

KINGSTON — The working environment at five police stations, which serve a number of volatile communities in the Corporate Area, will soon be improved, making it more comfortable for members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to carry out their duties.

The stations are Hunts Bay, Cross Roads, Matilda's Corner, Half-Way-Tree and Allman Town.

Three contracts worth $24 million were signed on July 26, by the Ministry of National Security, the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), and the European Union (EU) for rehabilitation and expansion works at the stations.

The project is being funded under the EU's Poverty Alleviation Programme (PRP II), with a start-up date in August and is expected to be completed by year end.  The upgraded works should boost morale and enhance daily in-house operations in the continued fight against crime.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, which was held in the vicinity of the Cross Roads police station, Minister of National Security, Senator the Hon. Dwight Nelson said equipping the police has always been, and remains of paramount importance to the Ministry.

"The upgrade, expansion and creation of police stations hold major priority as we seek to improve the conditions under which our law enforcement personnel operate. We feel that improved environmental infrastructure will go a long way in boosting the morale of our police personnel stationed at these offices," he said, while expressing appreciation to the EU for its generous partnership in the venture, and for its particular attention to strengthening national security through the PRP II.

Senator Nelson stressed the need to ensure that police personnel are allowed to operate in an environment that is conducive to dignity.

"We can't be asking our police men and women to go out there and fight crime, and face the stress and traumatising effects of violence, and then return to a police station that is not fit for human residence. We have a responsibility to ensure that where we ask police officers to spend a significant portion of their day, it is as updated and decent as possible," he said.

Senator Nelson pointed out that proper facilities were not only important to police personnel, but to the citizens who interact with the police and use the stations on a daily basis as well.

Meanwhile, emphasising the importance of upgrading police stations as a part of the thrust against crime and violence, Head of Delegation of the European Union, Ambassador Marco Mazzochi-Alemanni, said that the lock ups within the police stations should be improved, either in partnership with the EU or other organisations.