KINGSTON, Jamaica— Jamaica’s law enforcement agencies have been equipped with new training resources that should assist with the enforcement of the Proceed of Crime Act (POCA) and strengthen the country’s fight against fraud, money laundering, and other financial crimes.

According to a joint release from Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA), Major Organised Crime and Anticorruption Agency (MOCA), and the Financial Investigations Division (FID), the training tools were developed with the support of the Serious Organised Crime and Anticorruption Programme (SOCAP) of the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and produced by the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) Section of the US Embassy in Kingston.

The resources, which include videos and printed materials, were presented to the JCF, JCA, MOCA, and FID on April 11, 2024, the release said.

“Our work, our achievements, and our progress would not be possible, however, without the invaluable support and contributions from our international partners. The INL and the FCDO, represented here, are critical partners in our efforts. Your support has been instrumental not just in the development of these training videos but in strengthening the very foundations on which all the law enforcement agencies represented here function,” Colonel Desmond Edwards, Director General of MOCA, said while expressing gratitude towards the agency’s international partners.

Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of crime Fitz Bailey discussed the practical impact of the training resources.

“We have been engaged in a number of investigations targeting criminal networks, but until we are able to take the proceeds from the organisations then our effort will be minimised. And so, I want to congratulate and say thanks to INL for facilitating this video that will enhance the capacity of the men and women of the JCF and all the other investigative bodies,” Bailey said.

Amy Tachco, Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Kingston, also highlighted the collaborative efforts of the US with Jamaica as it relates to crime fighting.

“Partnering with Jamaica to find meaningful ways to combat crime is always a top priority for the US Embassy. We are so proud of the role that our international narcotics and law enforcement team has played in making this project happen. Let’s harness the insights gained from these training videos to bolster our collective resolve and combat crime,” she said.

Colleen Falconer, Programme Manager at the FCDO, also emphasised the partnership between the UK and Jamaica, while underscoring the positive results which have come from both countries working together.

“The UK-Jamaica partnership is strong and has been yielding results. This is a real multiplier effect of impact, and we want to encourage all our partners to keep strengthening and enhancing what we already have. So today, we celebrate an excellent example of progress through partnership,” she said.

The JCA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Velma Ricketts Walker in her comments, spoke on the importance of ongoing international support in the fight against international crimes in Jamaica.

“The INL’s support over the years to our cause and those of our local law enforcement partners is deeply appreciated and plays a crucial role in our efforts to strengthen the technical competencies of our law enforcement officers to apply the provisions of POCA more effectively and vigorously,” the CEO said.

With the distribution of the training videos and materials, law enforcement agencies believe that their capabilities will be enhanced to more effectively combat financial crimes, uphold the integrity of the country’s financial systems and protect the nation from organised crime.