The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has received a $650-million infusion of high-tech equipment that will significantly boost the speed, coordination, and effectiveness of the organisation’s daily operations.

The new tools, comprising 600 portable data-capable radios, 1,000 handheld devices, and 1,500 mobile printers, will directly enhance patrol divisions, traffic enforcement teams, and front-line officers in their daily public safety duties.

The investment is part of the government’s broader thrust to modernise national security through technology.

Speaking during the handover ceremony at the Office of the Police Commissioner in St Andrew on Wednesday, May 14, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang emphasised the importance of a reliable communication infrastructure in modern policing.

“You cannot support having an efficient police force that cannot talk to each other at any time across the island in the modern world,” he said, highlighting the need for constant connectivity in a rapidly evolving security landscape.

Dr Chang emphasised that the new equipment will be instrumental in enabling officers to transmit mission-critical data, respond to incidents in real time, and enhance situational awareness for more effective operations.

“The communication, of course, with the radios is crucial to police operations. The system allows the exchange of real-time engines, GPS location data, and alerts; this is crucial to ensure the police can operate efficiently and well,” he said.

Meanwhile, Police Commissioner, Dr. Kevin Blake, hailed the investment as a strategic upgrade that will boost the JCF’s operational readiness.

“This investment of over $650 million continues to provide our citizens with the assurance of our commitment to improving public safety through modern policing technology infrastructure,” he said. Dr Blake added that the new digital tools will support improved communication, enforcement, and data-driven decision-making across the JCF.

Chief Technical Director in the Ministry of National Security Delroy Simpson noted that the new technologies will help streamline essential policing tasks.

“These technologies will streamline citation issuance and documentation processes, enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accountability in traffic enforcement,” he said.

The new devices will also enhance Jamaica’s electronic ticketing system, allowing officers to issue and upload traffic citations directly from the field.

According to Dr. Chang, the shift away from manual systems is helping to reduce backlog and inefficiencies that previously hampered the justice process.

“We are not only improving your efficiency, we are also transforming the way justice is administered,” he said.

This move is expected to improve compliance, accountability, and enforcement outcomes. Officers across multiple divisions have been trained to operate the new systems, ensuring islandwide deployment is effective and consistent.

Minister Chang commended the police for their professionalism and adaptability in embracing these changes. “We believe in the competence, the capacity, and the morale of this Force, and we intend to increase your value resources to take your capacity to the optimum level,” he stated.

Dr Chang added that the Government’s continued support of the JCF reflects a firm commitment to restoring public order, reducing violence, and ensuring that law enforcement agencies are properly equipped to meet the demands of modern policing.