EYES ON SAFETY: COMMISSIONING OF THE DENHAM TOWN JAMAICAEYE MONITORING CENTRE
It was a good day in Kingston Western on Thursday, June 05, as members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force came together with community leaders and government representatives for the official commissioning of the Denham Town JamaicaEye Monitoring Centre—a milestone moment in Jamaica’s push to harness technology in the fight against crime. With 285 new surveillance cameras now keeping watch, communities in the Kingston Western police division are witnessing a quiet revolution that merges vigilance with hope, promising safer streets and stronger trust between citizens and law enforcement.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Superintendent of Police and Commanding Officer of the Information and Communications Technology Division, Orette Bascoe emphasised that the new JamaicaEye Monitoring Centre is not solely a piece of infrastructure but a testament to deliberate planning, cross-agency collaboration and critical budgetary support.
“This project”, he said, “reflects our unwavering commitment to creating safe spaces that prioritise the well-being of business operators, visitors and residents alike.” He noted that the investment in technology will bolster investigations, daily operations and community trust.
Echoing this sentiment, Minister of Local Government and Member of Parliament for Western Kingston, the Honourable Desmond McKenzie, hailed the programme as a game changer for his constituency. He told the audience that the historically tense relationship between the police and the community had transformed into one marked by respect and collaboration and thanked the police for their work in making it happen.
“Over the last decade”, he shared, “we’ve seen remarkable improvements in crime reduction thanks to stronger bonds with the police.” The cameras, he added, will empower citizens to reclaim their neighbourhoods, one street at a time, one community at a time.
In his address, the Honourable Dr Horace Chang, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, highlighted that the project was a $300 million investment that underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance public safety. With state-of-the-art CCTV systems and advanced data analytics, the initiative aims to modernise law enforcement and bridge the gap between the police and the communities they serve by ensuring greater transparency and evidence-based interventions.
The commitment to change was further demonstrated by the voice of Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Michael Phipps, Commanding Officer for Police Area Four, who shared that the project would boost morale and enhance the ability of the police to serve the public. He highlighted that with better tools, training and support, officers felt more confident to tackle serious crimes and maintain public safety.
The event celebrated not only the investment but also the collaborative effort that made it possible. It marked the beginning of a new era where the police, empowered by technology and community support, strive to create a safer, more secure environment for all Jamaicans.
