KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — The Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) criminal records system is now computerized at a cost of approximately $98.1 million.

Established through funding from the Government of the United Kingdom (UK) the electronic database replaces the manual format of documentation at the Criminal Records Office on Duke Street in Kingston.

The facility now enables the JCF to streamline the collation and storage of new and existing data, and their retrieval for use in investigations and court hearings, among other proceedings.

The collaboration between Jamaica and the UK also facilitated training in the use of the technology by several JCF officers.

Installation of the electronic database is the first of two phases of support being provided through the UK-based ACRO Criminal Records Office.

The second will entail further development of the JCF’s fingerprint database for which over $134 million (£750,000) in additional financing support will be provided by the UK Government’s Home Office Conflict, Stability and Security Fund.

The new electronic database was formally launched during a ceremony at the Police Officers’ Club on Hope Road in St Andrew, on June 3.

Justice Minister, Delroy Chuck; National Security State Minister, Senator Pearnel Charles; Acting British High Commissioner to Jamaica, Her Excellency Julia Sutherland; Chief Justice, Zaila McCalla; and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Novelette Grant, representing Police Commissioner, Dr Carl Williams, were among the officials in attendance.

Chuck, who welcomed the system, expressed the hope that the JCF will utilize it effectively, particularly to keep abreast of criminal activities.

“If we can properly track them and keep them under control, this will assist us in keeping our crime problem down,” the minister stated, while hailing the British Government as a “tremendous supporter” of Jamaica and the JCF.