Division upgrade aids in curtailing crime
Published:Saturday | June 4, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Keisha Hill, Gleaner Writer
MONTEGO BAY, St James:
ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER of Police (ACP) and Commanding Officer for St James, Denver Frater, has said for the first time, the division has been upgraded, with a senior superintendent taking command of St James, in addition to three superintendents with responsibility for criminal investigations, operations, and air and seaports.
In addition, there has been the establishment of the Montego Hill Police Station, which Frater said has had a significant impact on several problem communities including Norwood, Salt Spring, and the Glendevon Area.
"When we compare last year to this year, we are seeing almost nil in criminal activities in those areas," Frater reported.
Recently, the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) Region One Headquarters was established at the Barnett Street Police Station, and according to Frater, this development is crucial in terms of the kind of policing ability that they want to have in the downtown Montego Bay.
Frater argued that the facility is strategically located so that members of the ISCF can respond more readily in support of the Jamaica Constabulary Force in achieving its "strategic priorities".
Frater said they were also in the process of having discussions to get the Street Crime Unit to be based at Barnett Street. "The Street Crime Unit is a special group of police officers who will concentrate on what I will refer to as low-level crimes - pickpockets, street robberies, traffic issues - and all other crimes that affect the Montego Bay area," the ACP explained.
Frater contends that the accommodation of the Street Crime Unit at the historic building on Barnett Street, which years ago housed the St James police headquarters, would positively influence the safety and security of the resort town.
"There are critical developments taking place within the police department to respond to the developmental issues taking place, which we believe have an impact on the crime situation," said Frater.
- Annual homicides in St James
2003 - 106
2004 - 129
2005 - 139
2006 - 178
2007 - 187
2008 - 216
2009 - 240
CAPTION: (From left) The Reverend Courtney Walters; ISCF Deputy Commandant for Administration Support Services Olga Percy; Custos Rotulorum of St James Ewen Corrodus; Assistant Commissioner of Police for Area One Denver Frater; ISCF Assistant Commandant Linda Green-Francis; and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security Dianne McIntosh (centre) participated in the official ribbon-cutting cermony at the Barnett Street Police Station in Montego Bay to signify the renovation of the ISCF quarters. - Photo by Sheena Gayle