Police Receive 100 Motorcycles

The motorized division of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has received a major boost with the addition of 100 new Honda 747 cc motorcycles to its fleet.
The bikes, which were acquired at a cost of $65 million, were handed over by Minister of National Security, Dr. Peter Phillips at the office of the Commissioner of Police on Old Hope Road this morning (March 2).
Dr. Phillips said that the acquisition of the bikes was reflective of the government’s efforts to equip the police to fight crime, noting that they would increase the presence of the police on the roads and enhance their ability to deter crime and traffic offences.
The Security Minister also revealed that a further 150 police motorcars were expected in the island. “We expect 150 four-wheel drive vehicles to begin arriving in the island this month and we hope we’ll be able to have the transfer of these vehicles to the JCF in next few weeks,” he announced.
He further revealed the intention of the government in the next financial year to improve on the resources of the marine police and the coast guard. “We are going to be making a determined effort not only to build up on the resources of the marine police but also to ensure closer collaboration with the coast guard, which itself will also be receiving new vessels during the course of the year,” he stated.”The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) coast guard presently has three patrol offices under construction,” he added.
Meanwhile, Police Commissioner, Lucius Thomas announced the installation of a hotline system in his office in order for people to report acts of corruption by the police and criminal activities directly to him. The number 1-toll free-888-444-444 will be accessible to the public on weekdays between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
In accepting the bikes, Commissioner Thomas commended the motorized division on their outstanding work on the road and encouraged them to “get out there and carry on the good work”.
He said that the new bikes would go a far way in alleviating the current shortage of motorcycles on the road.
The new police chief noted that traffic policing continued to be a challenge and as such, “it is imperative that the police become more mobile to the capacity to move swiftly to problem areas in order to ensure the flow of vehicles and stop traffic offenders”.
He thanked the government and implored the officers to take care of the bikes for the benefit of the public. The bikes will be distributed to police divisions throughout the island, with the traffic headquarters in Kingston and the St. James division receiving the majority of 25 and 10 motorcycles respectively.