KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Police High Command says it has noted concerns raised in sections of the media about the use of curfews as a part of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s ongoing crime prevention strategy.

While acknowledging that the issues raised are real, Commissioner of Police Dr Carl Williams moved to reassure the public that everything will be done to ensure that the relationship between the police and citizens is preserved and their rights are upheld at all times.

The release stated that careful note was made of citizen feedback and lessons learnt from past operations.

“The decision to impose curfews will be done only in exceptional cases to restrict the movement of persons who enter communities and commit crimes or those who commit crimes and leave,” the commissioner said. “It allows police to be more effective in the execution of operations in a targeted community space.”

Dr Williams said the understanding and cooperation of law-abiding citizens whose movement may be affected by the curfew is being sought.

“However, we must emphasise that our actions are in the interest of the safety and security of citizens who are affected by crime and the fear of crime imposed by a few,” he said.

The High Command says it will ensure that:

1. All curfews are led by a gazetted officer;

2. The curfew is for a short period of time and citizens are communicated with in a timely manner;

3. The police Use of Force and the police Public Interaction policies are strictly enforced;

4. Provisions are made in the operational plan for the movement and access of students, essential services workers and other persons with legitimate reasons.

The police say they are encouraging those who fall within these categories to carry some form of identification as this could reduce the verification time.