Cops praised for down town patience in 'hostage situation'

EVEN THOUGH the expectation of high drama did not play out during what was believed to be a 'hostage situation' at the Juici Patties fast food outlet at the corner of Beckford and West streets on September 4, the police and military have been praised for their patient approach during the four-hour long saga in the busy commercial district brimming with back-to-school shoppers.

With onlookers hearing, as the nation was told during prime time news reports, that armed men were holding hostages inside the food store, many expected a full-scale onslaught by the heavy contingent of police and military summoned to the area.

The armed forces' May 24 incursion into nearby Tivoli Gardens was still fresh in the minds of those observing what was said to be a stand-off and swift action was expected, especially with numerous no-nonsense Corporate Area-based policemen such as Cornwall 'Bigga' Ford, Linroy Edwards and, from as far away as Portmore, Jason McKay, all on the scene.

However, there was no storming of buildings or forced entry. Bullhorns replaced trained guns as what was described by Inspector Steve Brown as the "necessary response" to a hostage situation, was activated.

Eventually, three of four employees exited the building and it was later learnt that the gunmen had escaped before the police arrived.

Although the police hierarchy has remained quiet about the incident, saying an official communiqué would be released to the media, a Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) source said the entire operation was "intended to preserve life".

Dramatic scene

"What was seen was not the norm," The Gleaner's source said. "It resembled more of a drama on CNN with perimeter taping, specially trained combat teams on standby, as well as hostage negotiators, all present and ready."

The JCF source said what was reported as the existence of hostages played a great part in the demonstration of patience and care on the part of the team summoned.

Businessman Laurence Heffes, operator of the outlet and whose family has operated various businesses in downtown Kingston, described the operation as first class.

"I think it's the best I've seen the police operate and I've seen a lot in my time," he said.

"They displayed a professional approach, one we can be proud of. A few things might not have been perfect but, let's face it, they have not had much experience of this nature," Heffes added, pointing out that his four employees emerged unscathed.

"To me, the safety of everybody inside was more important," he said.

Heffes said at least two armed men had gained entry to the shop and it appeared as if others were outside and created a distraction upon hearing of the approach of the police, allowing their cronies to escape.

Inspector Steve Brown, head of the police's information arm, the Constabulary Communication Network, said the force was equipped to deal with such situations and activated that plan.

"When it comes on to basically any situation, we have international-standard training. We activated the necessary resources and treated it as a hostage situation. There's a plan for just about any type of operation in Jamaica, depending on the situation."

For Heffes and other business owners in downtown Kingston, the police came up trumps.

"Without doubt, I think it sent a clear message to thieves that, with this approach, they need to look to another form of business, a legitimate business," he said.