Call for CCTV in resort town
Published:Tuesday | March 29, 2016 | 12:00 AMMark Titus
Western Bureau:
With just over 50 per cent of the number of police personnel they had a decade ago, key stakeholders in Negril are calling for the immediate installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the popular tourist resort to counter the growing influence of crime.
"Crime is an important factor when individuals decide where they want to spend their time, and we were the first (town) to talk about getting CCTV, but we have not been getting a lot of support in that area," said former president of the Negril Chamber of Commerce (NCC), businessman Daniel Grizzle.
"We have even brought in a technical expert to do an assessment."
Located at the border of both Hanover and Westmoreland, which have both become major violence-affected parishes in recent years, Negril was primarily known for its amazing tourism product, including its picturesque seven miles of white sand beaches, but has now become a target for migrating criminals.
"When it comes to hardcore or serious crimes, we are looking at key areas in Negril. Additionally, we have to look at the harassment on our beaches to ensure the safety of those who visit our town," said Deputy Superintendent of Police Adrian Hamilton, the officer in charge of the Negril Police Station.
"There are certain things that can assist us, technology, for instance ... . We have been hearing about CCTV for Montego Bay (St James) and Ocho Rios (St Ann), but I am here saying we need the same for Negril.
"It (CCTV) makes the job of law enforcement that much easier when we have eyes, because we cannot be everywhere all the time," added Hamilton, who was speaking during last week's Gleaner forum on investment, job creation and growth.