KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of National Security Robert Montague this morning announced that the Government will be implementing several measures this year in a bid to boost the resources of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), as the authorities pursue “dutty criminals” in the society.

“We are going to disrupt some criminal forces. Dutty criminal goin run weh,” Montague said.

The minister was addressing police officers and other guests at the JCF Annual Devotion Exercise themed ‘Our journey… with Christ’, which was held at the Police Commissioner’s Office on Old Hope Road.

He vowed to fix police stations islandwide and allocate $1 million for the establishment of a gym in each police division. Montague also said, on January 21, two boats will be handed over to the force to patrol Jamaica’s borders.

While lamenting the loss of 400 members of the JCF annually, the minister pledged to expand the police training centre to facilitate more recruits and said the government intends to enlist 1000 new police officers this year, doubling the 500 recruits trained in 2016.;

Police officers will also be required to do courses that will contribute to credits for attaining a degree.

Under his 2017 plan, motorcyclists will be targeted as the Government will move to place registration numbers on the back and front of helmets, which must be worn while operating a motorcycle.

In addition, CCTV cameras will be rolled out in the New Kingston area early this year. The minister said the authorities will ensure that all these systems are linked as they are currently not connected.

Meanwhile, Montague said licensed firearm holders will now have to account for the 50 rounds of ammunition issued to them annually.

The minister came under heavy backlash recently for his handling of the national security portfolio, with the People’s National Party Youth Organisation (PNPYO) calling for him to be replaced.

PNPYO cited the country’s high murder rate and said figures have skyrocketed since the minister assumed office in February last year.

Within the first two days of 2017, a total of 10 people were murdered according to the JCF’s Corporate Communications Unit.

Tanesha Mundle