Rural police force boosted for polls

Employees of the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) packing ballot boxes outside the EOJ's Duke Street, downtown Kingston office. The ballot boxes were being transported across the island, yesterday, in preparation for today's Local Government elections. - Norman Grindley/Staff Photographer

HUNDREDS OF police personnel were yesterday dispatched from the Mobile Reserve unit in Kingston to a number of rural towns islandwide, in preparation for today's Local Government elections.

The lawmen were sent to bolster the manpower in the rural areas.

Before departing Kingston, the officers were briefed by Assistant Commissioner Arthur Martin and Senior Superintendent Hector White, who reminded them about the statements published in the Citizens Charter and Code of Conduct booklets.

Speaking with The Gleaner last Friday, Deputy Commissioner Tilford Johnson, who is responsible for the operational arm of the Police Force, said the police were prepared for any eventualities that should arise.

Since Nomination Day, the Police High Command has had several meetings with Area and divisional commanders discussing plans and security issues for the elections.

The numbers of the police and military will be complemented by the thousands of parish specials who have been meeting with the respective divisional commanders over the past two weeks.