The Ticket Information Management System (TIMS) developed by the Jamaica Constabulary Force will target illegal vending and party promoters who breach the Noise Abatement Act.

Minister of National Security and Peace Dr Horace Chang provided an update during a statement in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

“As we continue to reduce murders and other serious crimes, greater attention must now be placed on public order. We must ensure that the way in which the police engage citizens is professional, proportionate and respectful. We want effective enforcement while maintaining a strong relationship between the police and the public,” Chang said.

He explained that the TIMS will support the administration of fixed penalty offences where much of the public order issues arise. These include illegal vending, bad driving and breaches of the Noise Abatement Act.

“One of the things I find most upsetting is to see young police officers on the road taking up somebody’s basket of food…and getting into a confrontation with a lady who’s trying to survive,” said Chang.

“We know it’s inappropriate for them to be vending in the wrong place, a contest with the police is not the way to resolve it,” he added.

Chang said his ministry will build on the TIMS platform and work with other Government agencies to strengthen the enforcement of existing legislation.

“Our objective is to improve compliance while reducing unnecessary confrontation. Enforcement must be fair, efficient and transparent. This will allow our police officers to concentrate more of their resources on the most serious threats to life and property,” the security minister said.

-Lynford Simpson