Merger of Two Police Divisions to Form Public Safety and Traffic Management Branch

The Traffic and Highway Patrol Division and the Motorised Patrol Division of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) will be merged to form a new entity called the Public Safety and Traffic Management Branch (PSTMB).

It will have primary responsibility for public safety in town centres and major roadways, starting with the Kingston Metropolitan Region and Montego Bay.

Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, who made the announcement during his contribution to the 2018/19 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on June 12, said the consolidation is being undertaken with a view to enhance efficiency and focus on traffic management.

The PSTMB will include a roving motorcycle team to allow for rapid response in sufficient numbers; teams that concentrate primarily on breaches of public order that threaten citizen safety, such as vending outside of designated areas; and teams that focus on safety along the major thoroughfares.

“They’ll of course be trained to interface with the public as was done in the zones of special operations (ZOSOs) and that they will do so in a professional manner at all times,” Dr. Chang said.

He added that more details will be provided by the Commissioner of Police, Major General Antony Anderson.

The National Security Minister noted that while major emphasis will be placed on enforcement, there will also be a public education drive to enlighten citizens about the importance of public order and the impact on public safety.

“This public education campaign will also have an anti-violence message as we aggressively pursue our public-order and public-safety agenda,” he said.