Police Commissioner warns against criminal activity ahead of festive season

 

 

As the festive season approaches, Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake is warning persons who intend to commit crimes to rethink those plans, as the Jamaica Constabulary Force will be stepping up its operational activities and presence across the island.

 

Dr. Blake said, over the next two months, Jamaicans and visitors can expect more police officers on the streets and more targeted operations.

 

He said these deployments will be guided by intelligence, with particular attention on known perpetrators of violence.

 

"Jamaicans and visitors should be able to shop, work, worship and celebrate in safety. To those who continue to threaten our communities, my message is direct. We are coming for you. We will find you, confront you and seek to bring you to justice. We are determined to prevent you from inflicting further harm. The investigative capacity of the Jamaica Constabulary Force is stronger than ever. Our intelligence capabilities and operational reach give us greater confidence in our ability to identify offenders, locate them and build cases supported by evidence," he cautioned.

 

Commissioner Blake said these improved investigative capabilities have resulted in murder clear-up rates of more than 100 per cent in almost every police division.

 

He said this means that the number of cases solved, so far this year, is more than the number of murders committed. 

 

"This is possible because we are also solving cases from previous years. If you are contemplating murder, understand the consequences. We have the capacity to identify you and find you where you are hiding. We will pursue the evidence and place it before the court. Jamaica will not surrender the progress its people have worked so hard to achieve. We have repeatedly appealed for people to settle disagreements peacefully and turn away from crime. Many have listened, some have found legitimate employment and begun to rebuild their lives. Others have learned through painful experience where crime leads," he declared.

 

Dr. Blake has urged persons who interact with the police to display the same level of respect that is expected and pay closer attention to their personal safety. 

 

In the meantime, the Police Commissioner said the number of fatal shootings during confrontations with the security forces can be reduced if persons follow their instructions.

 

He noted that the JCF has made more than 600 arrests for firearm related offences this year.

 

"More than half had the weapon on their person when arrested. These are hundreds of examples of people taken into custody and given the opportunity to answer the allegations before a judge. So what's the message? Cooperate with the police. Do not reach for a weapon. Do not turn an arrest into an armed confrontation. Our officers are required to act lawfully and respect your rights. We want to bring you before the court to have your day. However, if you choose to meet us with violence, we will respond with even greater force," he warned.