KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) will be increasing the police force to about 15,000 strong, which is in keeping with the international police to citizen ratio.

The disclosure was made by Minister of National Security Robert Montague at a town hall meeting on Thursday at the Courtleigh Hotel, for residents and business operators in Kingston, a news release by the ministry stated Friday.

The disclosure was made against the background that over the last three years, the JCF has been steadily losing an average of 300 officers.

Montague also announced that there are plans to set up a mobile unit in western Jamaica and an augmented force, as well as two Jamaica Defence Force Infantry/Coast Guard bases — one at the cruise ship pier at Montego Freeport near the LNG plant and BPO operations and the other at Braham Wharf, in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland.

In addition, he said an agreement is about to be signed with the Jamaica Customs Department to establish two bases at Rocky Point and Alligator Pond.

“Our coastline is exposed, so lots of goods are coming into the country and not through the ports where the importers should pay duties,” Montague explained.