Gov’t Making Use of ICT in Fighting Crime

Minister of National Security, Hon. Peter Bunting, says the Ministry is taking full advantage of the offerings of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in combating crime across the island.

Making his contribution to the 2013/14 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on June 19, Mr. Bunting noted that a number of crime control and prevention initiatives have been implemented with the use of modern technology.

Among these is the recent upgrading of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) Automated Palm and Fingerprint Identification System (APFIS) at a cost of $260 million.

Mr. Bunting noted that the modernisation exercise involves, in part, the conversion of the remaining paper-based fingerprint records to digital format.

In addition, the Blackberry (smart phone) law enforcement database has been installed on some 550 handsets of traffic and operational personnel across the island and the smart phone application has been used to check the authenticity of drivers’ licences and motor vehicle documents.

The analogue police radio system will be converted to a digital system with enhanced capabilities at a cost of $240 million.

Mr. Bunting further informed that the JCF will be expanding surveillance via closed circuit television (CCTV) during the next financial year to detect criminal offences in public spaces.

He said the necessary equipment has already been installed in several towns including Mandeville, May Pen, Montego Bay, and Half-Way-Tree.

“We will be expanding the use of this facility by increasing the number of cameras in existing towns and, will also expand the surveillance to include areas of Spanish Town,” he said.

Contact: Athaliah Reynolds-Baker