Gov't stands in support of the security force - Chang

Minister of National Security, Dr. Horace Chang says the Government stands in support of the security forces and will continue to provide the financial, legislative and other policy support measures for them to carry out their duties effectively.

Yesterday, two policemen - Detective/Corporal Dane Biggs and Constable Decardo Hylton -were killed while on operation in a community in Spanish Town, St. Catherine.

Two other law enforcement officers involved in the operation, were seriously injured and are undergoing treatment at hospital.

“This wanton attack on the police must be understood to be an attack on all of us. Every well thinking Jamaican, every person who loves this country should strongly condemn these criminal acts,” he said.

“We must all be outraged, heartbroken and unaccepting of this kind of response to the police. While these criminals may have felt emboldened to attack the police in this way, I want to assure the public that this tragedy will not deter or distract the work of the security forces,” he added.

Dr Chang noted that the men and women of the security forces are resolute and will continue to put pressure on criminals.

The National Security Minister said quality intelligence led the police to the community in St. Catherine.

“Criminals have no rules. And so, while the police officers must be mindful of their professional standards, and citizen’s rights while carrying out their operations, the criminals who infest our communities and plague our citizens are oftentimes feared, and shoot with impunity,” the Minister stated.
 
In extending condolences, Police Commissioner Major Antony Anderson said the constabulary would do all it could to support the families of the officers.

“I have to thank all the people who expressed their support, and also gave information to us that we could follow up as quickly as we did. It really speaks to the benefit of what public support can do for us in policing. Once we’re getting that support it allows us to respond quicker, it allows us to make much better use of the resources we have,” he said.

Detective Corporal Biggs and Constable Hylton served the Jamaica Constabulary Force for 10 and four years, respectively.

“Both officers gave really good service over the period they served. They were actually really good police officers and we no longer have the benefit of their experience and service,” the Commissioner said.

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