Police port facilities in need of urgent attention – PCOA
Published:Friday | August 1, 2025 | 9:33 AM
The Police Civilian Oversight Authority (PCOA) has inspected five locations operating under the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) Port Division and unearthed significant infrastructure challenges and resource constraints at three of the facilities.
While two of the locations, including a relatively new facility, were found to be in good condition, with no major issues, the inspection highlighted significant concerns at the remaining three, requiring urgent intervention.
According to the PCOA, one facility was found to be lacking a female barracks, and much of its furniture was old or damaged. This location also experienced flooding during rainfall. Additionally, the police oversight body said several windowpanes and grilles were either missing or broken, and the kitchen countertop was damaged.
Another station faced similar challenges with flooding during heavy rains. There were damaged doors and a nearby rat infestation impacting the facility. The third location in need of major repairs presented issues such as cracked walls, leaks, and areas with flaking or chipped paint.
The PCOA did not identify the specific locations that had been plagued by unacceptable working standards.
The locations inspected, according to the PCOA, are critical to national security and international trade. They are Freeport Police Post and Sangster International Airport Police Station in St James, the Ian Fleming International Airport Police Station in St Mary, and the Norman Manley International Airport Police Post and the Newport West Police Station in Kingston.
The PCOA said the inspection also revealed disparities in specialised training among personnel. While officers at airport facilities received essential International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) security procedure training, their counterparts at seaports largely lacked International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) training, with the exception of two management team members at one location.
On the matter of training in the use of less-lethal weapons, an average of four personnel at each location were trained and authorised to use tasers. However, at one location, not every shift had an individual authorised to use them.
Service vehicles
The PCOA also revealed that of the nine service vehicles assigned to the Ports Division, only five were currently operational, with the others in disrepair and awaiting maintenance. According to the PCOA, this shortage impacts mobility, delays response times, and affects the efficiency of personnel in securing these vital areas.
The availability of less-lethal weapons and defensive equipment presented a mixed picture, the PCOA said. Most locations have adequate batons, handcuffs, and tasers; however, all taser cartridges observed were expired.
On a positive note, the majority of facilities were well-equipped with essential medical and protective gear, including first aid kits, personal protective equipment, and luminous high-visibility traffic vests. However, all locations were found to have inadequate supplies of ballistic helmets and vests.
The Ports Division falls under the Border Security Branch and is dedicated to safeguarding the nation’s points of entry, including airports and seaports.