Police get 100 new cars for crime hotspots

One hundred cars and 25 motorcycles purchased by Government at a cost of $16.9 million were yesterday handed over to the Police Service to be used in 18 crime hotspots in the country. The handing over ceremony took place at the Police Barracks, St James. In his address, Minister of National Security Martin Joseph said recent findings revealed that 65 percent of the serious crimes reported were concentrated in 18 specific areas in seven police divisions. “Analysis of the vehicular fleet within those police station districts revealed that the scarcity of vehicles was a major contributor to the police’s inability to effectively patrol and manage crime in those areas,” said the Minister.

He said notice was also taken of the increasing lawlessness on the nation’s roads, especially during peak traffic hours and at night, and the resulting traffic accidents and fatalities that were becoming prevalent. According to Joseph, given the circumstances, the Ministry took immediate steps to address the situation through the acquisition of additional vehicles and motorcycles. He said he was confident the acquisition of the vehicles should result in improved response times; more frequent patrols; heightened police visibility; better police-community interaction and, more importantly, a greater feeling of security within those communities.

He said measures were being put in place to address any shortages in vehicular fleet at police stations. Police Commissioner Trevor Paul said he was confident that police visibility and increased patrols will create a sense of comfort for law abiding citizens. He called on all police officers entrusted with the vehicles to take care of them. The vehicles were later handed over to the senior superintendents from seven police divisions, while the motorcycles were given to the Highway Patrol.