JCF says 119 emergency centre expanding beyond call-taking into C5 policing command hub

The Jamaica Constabulary Force says its Police Emergency Communication Centre, the base for the 119 emergency line, is now a round-the-clock national coordination point for police response, field communication, traffic oversight and support to other emergency agencies.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Gary Francis, who commands PECC, said the centre handles 119 reports, determines the most suitable police unit to send, dispatches help and keeps frontline officers supplied with information. He said PECC also works with outside responders, including the fire service, the JDF, ODPM, the Red Cross and other partners when incidents require a wider emergency response.

Superintendent Stacy Powell said the centre is contacted by formations across the JCF, including officers logging movements while on duty. Francis said that information helps PECC identify the nearest appropriate police unit when a call for service comes in.

Francis traced the system’s development to about 1957, when a radio room was created in Kingston as the city expanded and the JCF introduced a patrol system. He said the operation later moved in 1973 to 101-103 Old Hope Road, before adding newer technologies, including the JamaicaEye monitoring system around 2020.

The JCF is now preparing to introduce a C5 platform, described by Francis as command, control, communication, computer and counter-intelligence capability. He said the system is expected within about eight to 10 months and should combine separate technologies to improve forecasting, deployment, public order, traffic management and crime reduction.

Powell said call takers are trained in computer-aided dispatch, customer service, interviewing techniques, handling angry callers and general policing support. PECC recruits both internally and externally, including from the National Police College of Jamaica, while supervisors and analysts may come from more experienced ranks.

Francis said 119 receives about 5,000 calls daily, but roughly 65 per cent are prank or crank calls. Another 15 per cent are police-related but not emergencies, leaving about 20 per cent as emergency matters. Powell urged parents to ensure children use 119 only for real emergencies, noting that some callers misuse the line for homework help, food orders or false reports.

Officials said callers may be answered from any of four PECC locations, including St. James, St. Ann, Manchester or Kingston. They urged the public to stay patient when agents ask for locations, landmarks and timing, saying those questions are needed to send help accurately.