More Vehicles for Jamaica Constabulary Force

The Government will be investing $1 billion to improve the mobility of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

This was disclosed by Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, as he opened the 2019/20 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives today (April 16).

“We recognise that mobility is critical to the efficient functioning of any police force,” Dr. Chang said, adding that the total demand required to adequately serve citizens and communities is 1,600 operational vehicles.

The Minister pointed out that 400 motor vehicles and 60 bikes will be added to the fleet of the JCF this year.

He said this will ensure that the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB) will have satisfactory mobility, and that the entire force will have adequate mobile capacity to challenge the criminal gangs and dons anywhere, any time.

Dr. Chang informed that last year, the JCF received 260 new motor vehicles and over 100 motorbikes.

“We will not just be adding more vehicles to the fleet in a vacuum; the plan is to implement an efficient fleet management system to optimise use and ensure accountability. Vehicles will be outfitted with tracking gadgets for effective and efficient deployment,” Dr. Chang outlined.

He said the Ministry will be examining further with the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service a depreciation policy to auction vehicles that have exceeded its efficiency threshold and lifespan.

On another matter, Dr. Chang informed that, going forward, all suppliers to the Ministry of National Security will be vigorously vetted for financial viability before contracts are approved.

The theme of the Minister’s presentation was ‘Securing Our Peace’.