Strong police presence for New Year's Eve celebrations

As Jamaicans get ready to ring in 2018, several activities are set for New Year's Eve more popularly known as 'watchnight'.

Some people will be welcoming 2018 at a party, while others will be giving thanks at church. Wherever people will be spending the final hours of 2017, the police have sought to ensure that citizens will be safe as they participate in the various activities.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Dahlia Garrick, acting head of the Corporate Communications Unit, told THE STAR that the recent sick-out by some police officers will not affect their presence on the road this holiday weekend, especially despite several activities set to take place across the Corporate Area.

"I can assure you that the police will be maintaining a strong presence at these events. In fact, several of our members who had reported sick late last week, early this week, have returned to work. The usual high level of police presence that people expect to see out on that night will not be absent. We will be out there monitoring all the major events that permits have been granted to," she said.

additional patrols

Garrick said that even before personnel returned to work, the police had contingency plans to ensure that townships and thoroughfares would still be policed.

"We will be out at the bus parks, on the Waterfront, definitely, where they will be having the fireworks. You will see additional patrols on all the major thoroughfares. All is in place and we don't anticipate any breakdown at all," she said.

Garrick also advised the public against the practice of discharging firecrackers in public spaces.

An advisory was issued by the Jamaica Constabulary Force yesterday morning reminding persons that a licence is required to import pyrotechnic articles, including firecrackers, squibs, and fireworks.

The advisory also warned that persons found trading in the above-mentioned items without the required licence would be subjected to prosecution and seizure of their goods.