Police Commissioner Insists No Security Fall-Off Despite Hurricane Damage To Facilities

Police Commissioner, Dr Kevin Blake, has moved to reassure the residents of Area 3, that their security will not be compromised despite the damage inflicted by the passage of Hurricane Beryl. Police Area 3 encompasses the parishes of Clarendon, Manchester, and St Elizabeth; some of the hardest hit by the recent category 4 storm.

During his visit to the region, Commissioner Blake emphasized the resilience and readiness of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to continue providing robust security services. he stated. Highlighting the confidence he has in the leadership at various levels within the JCF, Commissioner Blake remarked, “It is a very heartening feeling as a Commissioner of Police to make promises to the nation and know that our members will deliver. I’ve been able to do that because of the confidence I have in their leadership at the Portfolio Level, at the Area Level, and also at the Divisional Level.” He credited the seamless implementation of plans to the effective leadership and commitment of the officers on the ground.

The Commissioner assured the public that the JCF is not only equipped to handle crime and violence but also to assist in the recovery from natural disasters. “We are here not only to protect Jamaica from man-made disaster, crime, and violence, but we are also here to protect and help Jamaica recover from natural disaster,” he affirmed.

Despite the significant impact on facilities, the Commissioner assured that the operational capacity of the JCF remains strong. “You will not see a drop in our effort. You will not see a falling or a dwindling in our commitment and our capability to protect you,” he declared.

Speaking in Clarendon at the end of the Area tour, Commissioner Blake highlighted the efforts of the officers in Area 3, led by Assistant Commissioner Calvin Allen. “Clarendon – where I’m here now at Exeter Police Station – is one of the tougher divisions that we have in Jamaica. And these members here are very, very experienced professionals who are mature in dealing with issues of crime and violence,” he noted.

Praising the dedication of the officers, he said, “These are officers of whom I’m very pleased, very appreciative and without them, the great plans that we put together would not be effective. If we don’t have officers like these who can lead the charges and lead our members to believe in the plan first and foremost, to understand the plan and to execute it in a seamless nature that they have done so far,” he said.

The Commissioner reassured the public of the JCF’s unwavering dedication to their safety. “We will continue to serve, we will continue to deliver service above self and we will continue to do all that is in our power to keep Jamaica safe,” he asserted.

As the hard-hit sections of Area 3 and, by extension the entire country, begins the recovery process, the commitment of the JCF to maintaining law and order remains a pillar of strength for the community, ensuring that residents can rebuild with confidence and security.