KINGSTON, Jamaica — The recently established Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB) of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is to be boosted with the addition of 43 newly trained constables.

The disclosure was made today by Minister of National Security Horace Chang, who gave the keynote address at the passing out parade and awards ceremony for 169 trainee constables at the National Police College of Jamaica in Twickenham Park, St Catherine.

“Batch 118 will help to restore public order and safety in our country,” he said.

“Each day you put on your uniforms, do so with pride. Set out to serve the people of Jamaica with respect and this must extend to all citizens,” the minister encouraged the graduates.

Chang said: “Public order, public trust, the safety and security of our citizens, (and) enforcement of the laws by security forces are essential to a stable environment.”

The PTSEB was launched ahead of the start of the 2018/19 academic year and has more than 300 members.

It is a merger of the JCF’s Motorised Patrol and the Traffic and Highway divisions aimed at improving social order and safe public spaces; improving compliance to the Road Traffic Act; and reducing crime in public spaces.