JCF Area Five outlines four-point policing strategy for town centres and hotspots

The Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Area Five command says its operational focus since the start of the year has been built around four main policing priorities across its divisions.

The first priority is greater control of town centres. According to the command, divisions have been directed to give close attention to their main corridors and key town centres, which are being treated as vital public spaces that require round-the-clock policing and order maintenance.

Hotspot control is the second area of emphasis. The command said each division within Area Five has locations that can become volatile at different times, and police teams are expected to keep close watch on those communities so they can respond quickly when tensions rise.

The third priority is anti-gang activity, including the pursuit of high-risk targets and wanted persons. The command said gangs remain a concern across Area Five divisions and cannot be overlooked. It said specialised police teams are being used in the relevant areas to disrupt criminal groups and apprehend persons being sought by law enforcement.

Community engagement was described as the final and most important part of the strategy. The command said any progress made through town-centre policing, hotspot control and anti-gang work must be supported by continued communication with residents.

Police said engagement with citizens is intended both to explain what law enforcement has been doing and to receive public suggestions on policing. The command framed that approach as policing with the people, rather than acting without community input.