KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is encouraging businesses, institutions and community organisations to connect their surveillance systems to the JamaicaEye public camera network, describing the initiative as an increasingly valuable tool in preventing crime and solving serious offences.

The appeal follows several recent investigations in which JamaicaEye footage, combined with forensic evidence and traditional detective work, played a critical role in identifying suspects and strengthening criminal cases.

Speaking in the weekly Force Orders, Assistant Commissioner of Police Wayne Josephs, head of the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), said expanding the JamaicaEye network would significantly enhance the force’s investigative capabilities and improve public safety.

“Every additional camera connected to the network strengthens investigative capability, enhances situational awareness, deters criminal activity and increases the likelihood of identifying offenders,” ACP Josephs said.

He said recent investigative successes have demonstrated the value of integrating surveillance technology with forensic science and intelligence-led policing.

Among the cases highlighted by the force is a double murder investigation in Negril, Westmoreland, where detectives used footage from the JamaicaEye network to corroborate forensic ballistic evidence linking two fatal shootings.

Police said investigators had identified similarities between the incidents before forensic examinations confirmed that cartridge casings recovered from both crime scenes were connected. JamaicaEye footage and witness statements subsequently strengthened the evidential case, resulting in murder charges being laid against a suspect.

The JCF said the case illustrates how surveillance technology can complement traditional policing methods by helping investigators reconstruct events before, during and after offences are committed.

ACP Josephs said the force is increasingly relying on technology to support criminal investigations, alongside scientific techniques such as DNA profiling, fingerprint identification, digital forensic examinations, electronic facial identification and ballistic analysis.

He stressed, however, that technology remains a tool to support detectives rather than replace them.

“Technology cannot interview witnesses, interpret behaviour, manage crime scenes or exercise investigative judgement. Those responsibilities remain firmly with professional detectives whose experience, integrity and commitment continue to be the defining factors in solving crime,” he said.

The JCF said expanding the JamaicaEye network is a shared responsibility involving law enforcement, the private sector and communities.

Businesses and organisations with existing CCTV systems are being encouraged to integrate their cameras into the network, with police saying broader participation will improve investigators’ ability to identify offenders, support prosecutions and deter criminal activity across the island.

Josephs added that continued investment in surveillance technology, forensic science and intelligence-led policing forms part of the force’s wider strategy to strengthen investigations, reduce crime and build public confidence.