Little London Police Station boosts safety, dignity for officers
Published:Thursday | December 4, 2025 | 12:07 AMAlbert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU
After years in a cramped space under threat of eviction, police in Little London have moved into a modern station that leaders call a turning point for security and public trust in western Jamaica.
Sergeant Arlene McBean, chairman of the Jamaica Police Federation, said the brand-new facility is powerful proof that the transformation of Jamaica’s national security framework is not a slogan but a lived reality for officers and the communities they serve.
“The opening of the Little London Police Station is an indication of the continued transformational thrust to ensure that conditions of work for police officers remain a prominent feature in National Security and Peace,” McBean told The Gleaner. “This is another fit-for-purpose facility where citizens can feel safe and comfortable—but more so, where our police officers, who are always on duty, can work with dignity.”
She publicly thanked the Ministry of National Security and Peace, Project ROC, the National Housing Trust, the Police High Command, and the Property Management and Maintenance Division for ensuring the station’s successful completion.
McBean also urged residents to protect the facility and encouraged officers to “remain focused” as the federation continues to advocate for improved benefits for members and their families.
Councillor Dr Ian Myles, who represents the division in the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation, said the opening is not merely the construction of a building but the end of a long and painful chapter in the lives of Little London’s police officers.
“I am extremely delighted for the handing over of the new police station. It’s long overdue,” Myles said. “Before now, the police station was a makeshift facility, operating under numerous threats of eviction. The police here, under normal circumstances, would be without a service vehicle and on the rare occasion when one was sent, it was barely functioning.”
Painting a picture of daily struggle, he recalled that officers were once forced to drive onto the school playfield simply to reverse a failing vehicle.
“Police used to be at the station and had no drive,” he said. “It’s a far way we are coming from, and to see where we have reached today is remarkable.”
The construction itself almost failed, Myles said, describing a challenging process marred by unforeseen setbacks — including a constantly flowing underground spring that stalled works for months.
“At one point, an underground spring was constantly flowing, and it took quite a while for them to get it under control. With all of that, the project was still completed because of the brilliance of the contractor and construction team,” he said.
He hailed the Government of Jamaica for remaining committed to the project despite the setbacks, calling the investment “forward-thinking” and essential to rebuilding community confidence.
“This station represents a partnership in strengthening community policing — one of trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. It belongs to the residents,” he said. “It is aesthetically pleasing, gives you a feeling of belonging, and ensures that community interests are ventilated and addressed.”
The building is also equipped with modern security technology and upgraded systems. Among other things, it is outfitted with solar power and a rainwater harvesting system, which is part of a thrust by the government to push climate resilience.
“We are now firmly aligned with the national vision of a safe, welcoming environment — one where citizens can flourish, supported by enhanced security that strengthens economic prospects,” he added.