The JamaicaEye Programme has been boosted by a donation of 215 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras by the Government of the Republic of Korea.
Delivering the keynote address at the handover of the devices at his New Kingston offices, on Tuesday, April 16, Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, said any measure of success in citizen security requires a comprehensive, coordinated, integrated and flexible approach.
Noting that the measures must extend beyond traditional security and law-enforcement approaches, the Minister said it must also incorporate new technologies “in our law-enforcement toolkit”.
“As the Government continues to expand the capacity of the police force, we are building out our CCTV network across the island. This critical force multiplier facilitates the quick and decisive response of law enforcement, particularly in urban centres,” he said.
The Minister argued that the digitisation of policing operations is the “defining feature of 21st century policing,” and while its benefits cannot be overstated, the process does not merely refer to purchasing modern equipment for the police, as it requires a plan of action, committed partnerships, and “unwavering political will. That is the commitment of this Government”.
According to Dr. Chang, it is a holistic approach to the digital transformation of law enforcement that will result in police officers not only being equipped with new digital tools but also they will have the technology-enabled capabilities that are required for increased operational efficiency.
“These cameras that are being handed over today will be integrated into a centralised system. This system will provide live feed of evidentiary quality that can be used as evidence in police investigations and in support of law enforcement across the entire island,” he said.
The Minister pointed out that the Government’s investment in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is “beginning to bear fruit”, adding that for the “last five months, we are seeing downward trends” in major crimes.
For her part, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, said support for public safety and national security has been at the “very top” of the list of the Ministry, and the gift from Korea is another “tangible demonstration” of the bilateral relations between the two countries.
Chargé d’Affaires, Korean Embassy in Kingston, Jin-wook Kim, told the gathering that a secure environment fosters confidence, stability, and “ultimately, prosperity for all citizens”.
“Let us strive towards a future where education empowers, security protects and prosperity abounds,” he said.
The JamaicaEye initiative is designed to provide coverage over all major towns and highways in Jamaica.
To date, more than 800 cameras have been installed, and an additional 350 cameras are scheduled for installation in the downtown Kingston and Olympic Way spaces.
