Head of St. James Police Division Reports Success

Head of the St. James Police Division, Derrick Champagnie, has provided details of efforts by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to curb crime and violence in the division.

Speaking at a press conference, held at the St. James Freeport Police headquarters, on February 6, Superintendent Champagnie said since the start of this year, the parish has recorded tremendous successes in its fight against criminals who are engaged in crime and violence.

“This is mainly due to the hard work and commitment of the men and women assigned to the division of St. James. Since the start of 2015, we would have recovered 13 illegal firearms, 66 rounds of assorted ammunition, six wanted men were arrested and 31 persons were arrested for serious and violent crimes,” he noted.

The Superintendent is calling on citizens to find peaceable ways to address their differences.

“I must take this opportunity to say to the persons within the division that we must find alternative ways of settling our disputes, other than by the way of the gun. Twelve of the 14 murders were committed by the gun and 2 by knives. Despite our successes as it relates to the recovery of firearms, the proliferation of firearms within the division is a cause for serious concern and I implore the citizens and well thinking Jamaicans to assist the Police in recovering these firearms,” he said.

The Superintendent said that through partnerships with a number of civic organizations and corporate companies, the Police in the parish will continue its relentless fight to bring crime and violence down to a tolerable level.