KINGSTON, Jamaica — The policing capabilities of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) have been bolstered with the acquisition of 274 new vehicles.

The vehicles, representing investment of $1.7 billion by the Government, comprise 121 pick-up trucks, 55 sport utility vehicles (SUVs), three coaster buses, five Hiace buses, and 90 motorcycles.

Addressing Wednesday’s handover ceremony at the police commissioner’s headquarters at Old Hope Road, St Andrew, National Security Minister Horace Chang said the Government is committed to providing members of the police force with the tools they need to execute their duties.

“These vehicles are symbolic of our continued investment in the force…We understand that law and order, public safety and security is one of the pillars on which we build a strong economy and a safe society, and it is important to the quality of life,” he said.

“The Government is committed to building out a strong police force and providing law enforcement with the tools they require to get the job done, which involves the right vehicles for the job,” he noted.

Commissioner of Police Dr Kevin Blake, said the value of the investment is significant and a demonstration of the Government’s support and dedication to strengthening the national security framework.

“It is an investment in our operational readiness. It is an investment in ensuring that our police officers are equipped with the right tools to serve, protect and assure the people of Jamaica…This is a clear testament of the Government’s dedication to strengthening the security apparatus of our nation,” he said.

Blake, pointing out that the JCF polices urban centres, remote rural districts, mountainous terrains, coastal areas and congested townships, each representing unique operational demands, said the diverse set of vehicles will bolster policing across all divisions and formations.

He noted, for example, that a quick-response patrol unit navigating the streets of the corporate area requires a different type of vehicle from one responding to a call from the rural sections of the island.

“This variety of assets underscores a clear understanding of policing realities. We are engineering a fleet that reflects the complexities of law enforcement in the 21st century,” Dr Blarke said.

“Fellow members, it is now for us to effectively use these resources to continue to drive the [crime] numbers down and keep our communities safe,” he said.

— JIS

A fleet of Mitsubishi Triton pick-up service vehicles were among 274 motor vehicles handed over to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) at the Old Hope Road offices of the Commissioner of Police in St. Andrew on Wednesday (February 19). The vehicles represent investment of $1.7 billion by the Government.