COMMISSIONER of Police Major General Antony Anderson says declaration of a state of emergency (SOE) covering the entire parish of St Catherine was primarily due to the need for support from the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF).

He said that the growing intensity of the violence being spread from the St Catherine North Police Division, which includes the violent-prone capital Spanish Town, had threatened to spread to the St Catherine South Division, which includes Portmore.

“We had seen the danger. They have demonstrated, through previous states of emergency, that this methodology has been effective in quickly reducing violent crimes,” he told he nation during Friday’s press briefing hosted by Prime Minister Andrew Holness at Jamaica House.

“A state of emergency at this time will allow us the opportunity to optimise available resources, in particular support from the Jamaica Defence Force. As we advance the strategy to reduce crime and violence across all police divisions, we will continue our focus on gangs, guns and gunmen,” he told the virtual event.

Major General Anderson said the police and military will combine resources to continue the campaign against illegal guns by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). He noted that the campaign has already seen the seizure of 368 illegal guns.

“In June alone, we have already seized 48 illegal guns and 7,449 rounds of ammunition, an increaser of 52 per cent over the same period of 2021,” said the commissioner, while acknowledging that significant emphasis is being placed on intelligence and investigations utilising all available technology.

He said that the security forces have built the institutions capacity to respond appropriately with due regard for the rights of citizens within the boundaries of the state of emergency, and will be conducting a suite of operations that will lead to increased presence and movements of the security forces across the parish.

“We will attempt to manage the impact of our activities on persons going about their normal business. However, there is likely to be some disruptions and delays, and we ask for your patience and understanding, as we collectively respond to the violence in St Catherine,” he added.

He urged the public to support the activities of the security forces, and assist by complying with them at check points, and notify them of any breaches of professional conduct by members of the forces.

Prime Minister Holness said that he decided to advise the governor general to make the declaration, based on the recommendations of the heads of the security forces. He said that it was based on a strategic understanding of the actions of the Government, relating to crime fighting and dealing with violence in the society.

“Government’s first responsibility is the preservation and protection of life. Government measures and keeps track of deaths in the society, not just for the purpose of statistics, but it is important for Government to ensure that the average citizen feels safe and secure,” he stated.

He added that there were three actions to watch in pursuing the violence: (1) Dons (community enforcers) who lead gangs who use guns; the availability of guns; and paying attention to the young people, particularly young males, who are being pulled into gangs by dons, and are given guns.

“Government has to act. Government cannot sit by and see innocent Jamaicans going about their business, on their way to work, or from the market, having to be scurrying for their lives. The Government has to act. That is the Government’s responsibility,” Holness concluded.

Chief of Defence Staff of the JDF Rear Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman also urged residents to support the efforts of the security forces in carrying out the SOE, and assured them that the JDF will operate within the parameters of their training and resources, to ensure the protection of the human rights of all Jamaicans.

She said the boundaries of the SOE essentially surround the entire parish.