JCF Gets Additional 40 Vehicles
By: , July 31, 2024
Photo: Dave Reid
Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang (right), hands over keys to 40 new vehicles, valued over $313 million, to Commissioner of Police, Dr. Kevin Blake, at a handover ceremony, held on July 31 at the Office of the Commissioner in St. Andrew.
Photo: Dave Reid
Some of the 40 new vehicles, valued over $313 million, that were handed over to the police by Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, at the Office of the Commissioner of Police in St. Andrew, on July 31.The Full Story
The Government has provided the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) with 40 additional vehicles, at a cost of over $313 million.
They include 20 Mitsubishi L200 pickups; seven Toyota Hilux pickups; and 10 Kia Sorento Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs).
Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, who handed over the keys to the JCF at the Office of the Commissioner of Police in St. Andrew, today (July 31), said they will be used to further help reduce crime across the island.
Stressing that mobility is essential for the police to maintain safety and public order, Dr. Chang said that security agents must have a firm lid on the movement of cash and goods, and recent attacks on them, if not controlled, can impact the economy.
“Easy safe movement of cash, and safe movement of goods – unless that can be conducted without fear, the economy will be pressured, and if we don’t control safety and public order, the economy will be strangled, hence the Government’s commitment to provide the police with the required tools and facilities,” the Minister added.
Dr. Chang said the addition of the new vehicles will enable the officers to respond more swiftly and effectively to incidents and improve public safety and security.
“To the officers who will be using these vehicles, I urge you to utilise them responsibly and effectively in the line of your duty. Together, we will continue to strive for a safer, more secure, and prosperous nation,” he said.
Since 2016, the Government has spent more than $4.8 billion on the acquisition of motor vehicles for the JCF and is projected to spend another $8.7 billion over the next three years.
The investments are critical as the Government continues to enhance the police communication systems, increase human resource numbers, and improve the situational awareness through initiatives like JamaicaEye, the Minister said.
The JCF is exploring a policy to possibly write off and dispose of Force vehicles after five or so years, to ensure that it maintains an efficient fleet.