CLARENDON, Jamaica — With a 14-day state of emergency imposed in Clarendon, the Manchester police with the support of the military have intensified operations in Spalding.

Head of operations for Manchester Deputy Superintendent David Blake on Friday told journalists that Spalding, although geographically located in Clarendon, falls under the control of the Manchester police.

He added that suspects have been fleeing southern Clarendon to Spalding and sections of Manchester.

“Persons from the lower/ southern section of Clarendon when the pressure is intensified there they make their way into Manchester and into the Spalding community. We are not going to be having it, we are going to intensify the pressure and we are going to be coming to get them,” he said.

“We have conducted several targeted and intelligence driven operations and we intend to conduct these operations for the duration of the state of public emergency and to ensure that those who are detained are taken to the appropriate detention centre,” he added.

DSP Blake said the security forces are mindful of human rights.

He added that acquisitive crimes have been happening in Spalding.

“We have to ensure that law and order is maintained. We have had some concerns in the Spalding community. There have been incidents of robberies and break-ins throughout the nights and we are getting the information from the public,” he said.

“We are encouraging the public to continue to share information with the police about men who are wanted…any strange men who are in the community, because that is one of the concerns we are having,” he added.

— Kasey Williams