More Offices for Area 5 Police Headquarters

The capacity of the Area 5 police headquarters has been improved, following the official opening of an annex at the Constant Spring Police Station in Kingston, yesterday (August 7).
The annex, which has six new offices, has been named in honour of Kenneth Cole, who provided his services as a contractor, free of charge.
Minister of National Security, Senator Colonel Trevor MacMillan, who spoke at the opening ceremony, noted that the venture could not have been accomplished without the efforts of many people.
“We are grateful for the contributions from corporate Jamaica and from well-wishers and citizens who made not only financial contributions, but donated their time and expertise,” the Minister said.
He pointed out that approximately $1.5 million was provided by the Ministry, which represented only about 25 per cent of the total cost, adding that the contributions of all the other persons, both in kind and cash and in support, made up the 75 per cent more that was needed, and “that to me is a tremendous pledge to your Police Force and the work they are doing.”
“It is important that we continue to build on initiatives such as these, which not only have practical value, but help to strengthen the bonds between the police and the citizens,” the Minister emphasized.
He also informed that funds have become available to allow for additional offices to be constructed for the main police station.
Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Area 5, Carl Williams, in his remarks, informed that the new offices would house the Area 5 management team, noting that previously, the offices had been scattered in several locations, including rented premises.
“What we have at Area 5 now is a modern energy-efficient and very beautiful facility, one that I am sure the officers will appreciate and they will want to come to work in the mornings and they will hate to leave in the evenings,” he said, adding that the general conditions of the headquarters had been significantly improved.
“If we are going to be efficient, then we need to expand the physical plant and improve the conditions,” Mr. Williams said.
He noted that this project would save the government more than $1.4 million in rent that was being paid yearly at another facility.
Meanwhile, Hands Across Jamaica For Righteousness, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), presented a plaque bearing the Jamaican Motto, Anthem and Pledge, referred to as a MAP, to the Area 5 police headquarters. The organisation has also partnered with over 20 corporate bodies to present plaques to other police stations across the island.