Jamaicans who have experienced noise nuisance from entertainment events and motor vehicles backfiring or otherwise are optimistic about the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) acquisition of decibel meters to monitor these disturbances.

During his crime and public order update earlier this week, Commissioner of Police Major General Antony Anderson lamented that there are people who operate without due consideration for the wider public and the decibel meter will be used by the JCF’s public order and traffic enforcement teams to better regulate noise levels. He added that the 40 devices are just the start, and more will gradually be added to the stock.

William Reeson, a senior member of the New Kingston Citizens’ Association in St Andrew is eagerly anticipating results.

New Kingston, a major corporate business and entertainment hub, especially on weekends, is also a residential community. Residents of New Kingston have had a long-standing issue with loud noises from entertainment events and motor vehicles, which they say impact their peace of mind and quality of life.

“I think the meters are going to help the situation. I think it will ease the noise level somewhat and people would be more conscious,” Reeson told the Jamaica Observer.

A resident of Ocean Towers in downtown Kingston, who requested anonymity, also told the Observer that while loud noises from entertainment events have decreased since COVID-19, there are people who create disturbances with heavy sound systems. She urged the JCF to ensure they use the devices and take action when necessary.

“The noise nuisance downtown, in terms of the entertainment, has really quieted down a bit because we’ve had COVID in-between. The parties that used to keep and go on after midnight are not as bad. Individuals that come to the Urban Development Corporation car park on weekends set up their sound systems from 10:00 am and go right through. That is the current noise nuisance. At certain times you have the motorbikes racing and making those horrible noises. I absolutely welcome the devices if it is going to make a difference.

“It is one thing having the decibel meters, it is another thing if they are actually going to use it. It is still nice to have them, so let’s see what happens. I need them to enforce it so young people can know that they can’t just drive up and down on a Sunday evening or early Sunday morning making these pop, pop, popping noises with their bikes.”

In the meantime, events promoter, “Dre Hype” told the Observer that he is eager to see how the police utilise the devices and the methods cops will use in determining if any action should be taken.