POLICE COMMISSIONER Owen Ellington, has praised the efforts of police officers involved in yesterday's hostage drama at Haining Mews in New Kingston, which saw four hostage takers being collared, three women being freed and an illegal forearm seized without a single shot being fired.

In a release to the media, Ellington said yesterday's operation demonstrated a new resolve on the part of the constabulary to be measured in the use of deadly force.

"The resolve of the Police was once again demonstrated last evening when members of the New Kingston Police and Mobile Reserve Division responded to a report of robbery, home invasion and subsequent hostage taking situation perpetrated by criminal suspects in the Haining Mews area of the St Andrew Central Division," he said.

"The quick response and professional conduct of the members who responded, led by DSPs Samuels and McKenzie as well as Commander Murdock, exemplifies the standard of our noble organization. Continually, the men and women of the JCF have demonstrated their resolve and capacity to effectively protect our citizenry from criminals. On behalf of the Police High Command, I wish to thank you and commend you for a job well done, I salute you," he added.