KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Jamaica Defense Force (JDF) stand ready to assist during and after the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake and Brigadier O’Neil Bogle from the JDF gave that assurance during a special press briefing on Friday.
Dr. Blake said the JCF’s preparedness plan has been activated in anticipation of the possible impact of the storm. This includes having the highway and mobile patrols, as well as the quick response units, ready for deployment.
“Our highway patrol will be deployed to monitor key arterial routes and flood-prone corridors. Our mobile patrols will maintain security in our business and residential districts, and the quick response units stand ready to support evacuation, rescue, and post-impact security,” Dr. Blake said.
He added that the JCF is coordinating with the JDF for joint monitoring of critical infrastructure, including Petrojam and the fuel depot; airports and seaports; hospitals and major medical facilities; the business districts and financial hubs; the courts; correctional facilities and all government offices; and the major road networks and bridges.
The Police Commissioner noted that in the event of the storm’s impact, damage assessment teams are in place to report on infrastructure and public safety conditions.
“Deployment of personnel will be done to maintain order, prevent looting, and support search and rescue, and this will consume a majority of our human resource deployment,” Dr. Blake pointed out.
He said that the JCF will collaborate with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the JDF, local authorities and first responders to manage recovery operations.
Meanwhile, the JDF has activated its disaster protocol and is ready to assist.
“The disaster assistance response team is being mobilized. We have four clearing teams comprising several heavy equipment, and they have been prepositioned in New Castle, St. Andrew; Burke Barracks in Montego Bay; Moneague, St. Ann; and in Up Park Camp in Kingston,” Brigadier Bogle said.
“The aerial assets can be used to assist with search and rescue, relief support, surveillance, and, of course, medical evacuations if required.”
He indicated that the Jamaica Regiment, which is deployed across the country, will support the police in terms of maintaining law and order.
Brigadier Bogle also provided an update on the JDF personnel deployed in Haiti, noting that they are “all accounted for and in high spirits”.
Hurricane Melissa has brought intense rain to Haiti, causing floods and landslides, which have claimed the lives of three people.
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