KINGSTON, Jamaica — Following the recent escape of 10 prisoners from police lock-ups in two of Jamaica’s most volatile communities – Montego Bay and Spanish Town –Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Spokesman on National Security, Derrick Smith, says he is disturbed that they may serve to compromise the safety and security of the public.

In a release yesterday, Smith noted that among the escapees were hardened criminals, who have been convicted for serious offences.

“It is quite disturbing and disheartening, to say the least, that we have had these two major jail breaks in such quick succession. Incidents like these deal a demoralizing blow to the hardworking men and women of the JCF who go to great lengths in conducting investigations, apprehending suspects and contributing to successful prosecutions,” Smith said.

“It is an undesirable and untenable situation to have our lawmen being made to feel as though their hard work has amounted to nothing, when convicted criminals escape the custody of the State,” he added.

Smith stated that the escapes from the Freeport and Spanish Town police lock-ups not only bring the conditions and protocols governing the custody of detained or convicted persons into sharp focus, but is highly indicative of something being seriously wrong.

He said that there was no doubt that overcrowding at police lock-ups, badly deteriorated physical conditions, non-adherence to established protocols, as well as corruption and collusion do play a part in incidents of this nature are playing roles in these incidents.