Police Raise Threat Level

The Jamaican Police High Command has raised the threat level from criminal violence against their members and assets to extremely high.

This means there is anticipation of imminent violent attacks on members as well as physical assets.

In a release to the media, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) explained that this upgrading of the threat level is based on intelligence suggesting that detained and displaced criminals are planning attacks on security forces personnel and assets.

These attacks are to send two clear signals: that detained gang leaders cannot be held responsible for crime now being committed and; to register the displeasure of crime syndicates against the decisive action being pursued by the police against organised crime.

Since the incursion on May 24 into West Kingston, the police have been releasing lists for alleged gang leaders and criminal masterminds to turn themselves into the police.

Several of these individuals have heeded the request.

“The Police High Command is urging all members to take seriously this threat assessment and raise their level of awareness and anticipation on and off duty.

Deployments must not fall below defensive levels and personnel should be prepared to act swiftly and decisively in defence of themselves and colleagues,” the release said.

The JCF assured its’ members that they have its full backing on any lawful action taken to defend themselves and citizens of Jamaica.

The JCF also reminded criminal elements and those who sympathise with them that the police remain undeterred in the fight to defeat organised crime.