New Head of Area One Pledges to Reduce Crime

Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in Charge of Area one, Warren Clarke, says a zero tolerance approach will be adopted in tackling crime in the region, which comprises the parishes of Trelawny, St. James, Hanover, and Westmoreland.

“We deliver police service from 37 police stations in the western end of the island. We intend to improve this service, to include the protection we offer, and we intend to continue to reassure with integrity, courtesy and respect for the rights of all,” he stated.

ACP Clarke, who took up official command of Area One on April 15, following the transfer of ACP Devon Watkiss, was speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday, May 7, at the Sunset Beach Resort and Spa in Montego Bay.

He pledged to tackle corruption in all forms, and stated that all police operations in Area One will be properly planned and executed.

Turning to crime statistics since the start of the year, ACP Clarke said figures are showing a downward trend in crime in St. James and Westmoreland.

He noted, however, that the figures for Trelawny and Hanover “are not as positive as the police would like,” but assured that the law enforcement officers “are actively engaged in crafting strategies and tactics geared towards controlling that situation” and reducing serious crimes in the four parishes generally.

He said that focus will be placed on the approximately 30 identified hot spots, and to gradually return them to normalcy.

“We expect greater engagement of the business community as we work together in resolving challenges,” ACP Clarke stated.

As it relates to the lottery scam, ACP Clarke stated that the legislation will be applied to the “fullest extent” to combat the illicit activity, pledging that in the months to come, the scam “will be a thing of the past” in Jamaica.

Contact: Bryan Miller