Jamaican Police.Com

The Portland Police Division, will be scrutinized this week by the Police Civilian Oversight Authority (PCOA), as the PCOA seeks to determine whether the police in that parish have implemented certain corrective measures that were required by the findings of a June 2009 PCOA report. Back in April and May of this year, the PCOA undertook a series of station inspections within the Portland division, , covering seven of nine JCF stations and a marine police post (Port Antonio Marina). The police stations inspected were at Buff Bay, Castle, Hope Bay, Manchioneal, Orange Bay, Port Antonio and San San.

In their findings, which were published in June, their divisional policing plans were said to be vague on tangible activities to meet desired outcomes outlined in the Commissioner’s Strategic Priorities for 2009. Part of the statement from the PCOA on the matter read “… of particular concern also was, the nebulous nature of the anti-gang plan and the impact of migration of criminal networks from the Corporate Area to rural Jamaica.”

The PCOA had recommended in its report, that a more proactive and practical plan be launched, and it impressed upon the Portland division the urgency of the matter so as to prevent the firm establishment of gang criminality within the parish.

Additional concerns were also highlighted by the PCOA including proper maintenance station records and the keeping of books, diaries and registers and the critical importance of maintaining such records in professional policing.

Tags : PCOA, Police Civilian Oversight Authority, Portland Police, Portland Police Division