Chang commits to more investments in tools to help cops fight crime
Published:Saturday | July 19, 2025 | 12:10 AMRuddy Mathison/Gleaner Writer
National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to improving law enforcement infrastructure and professionalism across Jamaica, declaring that continued investments are yielding results in crime fighting and police morale.
Addressing the official opening of the Green Acres Police Station yesterday, Chang said the Government was determined to equip the police force with the necessary tools to remain a professional and effective body.
“We took office in 2016 and we had a very difficult situation with infrastructure; our police force went through a period of widespread disrepair, across the island many of the police stations were simple unfit for occupation,” Chang stated.
He added that police personnel were previously forced to work in substandard conditions.
“There was no such thing as a police station. They had a building somewhere and, over time, they deteriorated, they were forced to work in cramped situations; this Government has changed that and, as a result, we are getting the kind of results we are having from a police force which is motivated and committed to fighting crime and making Jamaica a safer place.”
GUIDED APPROACH
Chang disclosed that the Government has so far spent approximately $90 million, not exclusively on the police. He emphasised that investment in the police is now guided by a structured approach.
“The police planning has changed dramatically; they have a fully established five-year outline [of] achievement for the numbers, quality of service, technology required, so the Government can invest in the force with confidence.”
According to the minister, “Ongoing investment currently runs about $30 million.”
He said the Spanish Town divisional headquarters is running about $2.2 million and in Savanna-la-Mar, $2.8 million.
Ten additional smaller stations are under construction at a combined cost of approximately $200 million.
Chang stressed that the effort goes beyond buildings.
“It is to create an environment of respect for officers who serve and respect for the citizens they are sworn to protect. They want a station where people feel free to walk in. I call the area a reception area. When you walk in you see a computer, not a big book.”
The minister described the Green Acres station as a “direct response to the expressed needs of the people in the community”, and promised that drainage issues would be addressed. He also assured that more police vehicles will be acquired, with Green Acres set to receive one.