Cops go mobile in Montego Bay

Christopher Thomas, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

The Jamaica Constabulary Force's (JCF) Area One Division has launched its mobile police station as a means to improve relations with residents of St James.

The mobile unit, which is part of the JCF's Community Safety and Security Branch initiative, will allow the police to receive and record reports on the spot from residents while on patrol in communities.

It will also allow the police to more easily access rural communities, and provide crime prevention tips, information on how to join the police service, and other information related to police matters.

The launch took place outside the Montego Bay Civic Centre in Sam Sharpe Square on Wednesday.

The police mobile unit will work right across St James, Hanover, Westmoreland and Trelawny, which are served by the Area One Division.

Denver Frater, assistant commissioner of Police for Area One, described the mobile unit as an attempt to bring the services of the police closer to the community.

"I believe that this high-visibility police service will go a far way in improving the confidence and restoring the trust between the police and the community," he declared.

"Persons who have experienced theft on the streets, or who have recovered stolen property, or any other matter of interest that you believe the police might wish to be aware of, come to the mobile police unit and make a report."

Added Deputy Superintendent Paul Stanton: "We are confident that through this approach we can establish safer communities, not only here in western Jamaica, but right through the length and breadth of Jamaica."