Cops to go easy on vehicle seizures during lockdowns

The police have been instructed by Commissioner Antony Anderson to waive the seizure of motor vehicles, except in traffic crash and criminal investigations, and to focus their energies on cracking down on the upsurge in violence.

Anderson’s missive, issued on September 2, indicates the increased pressure on the constabulary to rein in murders, which have skyrocketed almost 10 per cent year-on-year.

As Jamaica entered a third week of lockdowns to counter soaring coronavirus infections, police personnel were informed that the additional demands on resources have caused the force to embark on “a more flexible surge operation”.

In the lead-up to no-movement days, Anderson said that policing should be geared towards traffic management as well as moving violations that impact public safety.

The order further emphasised stop-and-search routines to intercept the movement of criminals and illegal firearms.

“From now until the end of September, alternate ( sic) means to seizure such as ticketing or proceeding by summons shall be employed, except when seizure is necessary for criminal or accident investigation,” the order stipulated.

The approval of a gazetted officer must be sought for the management of wrecking services, the correspondence said.

Enforcement of curfews as provided under the Disaster Risk Management Act will continue.

The order emphasised the importance of the E-commerce National Delivery System (ENDS) as a “critical component of support” during restrictions.

“Unless there is a blatant breach occurring or specific intelligence, the free passage of delivery personnel is to be allowed,” the commissioner said.

Days after a fuss was stoked by the withdrawal of meal welfare for some police personnel on duty during lockdowns, the Force Orders re-emphasised Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ disclosure last Wednesday that cops and other security personnel could purchase meals directly from establishments registered under ENDS.

Anderson has ordered that leniency be extended to commercial carrier licensees registered under ENDS to undertake their normal operations without being prosecuted for permit infractions. This order is in line with an exemption request by the Transport Authority because of COVID-19 safety protocols.