JCF ramps up road safety enforcement

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has intensified road policing across the island, conducting daily enforcement operations and introducing new technology to improve safety and reduce traffic violations.

Operations Officer for the Traffic Enforcement Division, Deputy Superintendent of Police Marcus Graham, highlighted that the JCF has expanded its capacity with the acquisition of breathalysers and speed radar devices. Graham told a JIS Think Tank that since January 1, members of the division have administered more than 7,000 breathalyser tests, up from 4,000 conducted during the same period last year.

“We have had 70 positive results, with those persons being arrested and charged. We have also had persons who were found to have alcohol in their systems, but they had not reached the threshold [which is 141],” he added.

Graham further stated that officers are conducting multiple daily operations across the island to curb dangerous road-user behaviour and reduce motor-vehicle crashes. He said that the aim, in terms of motor-vehicle accident reduction, is sub-300 for 2026. Graham also explained that particular focus is directed towards several western parishes where road-safety challenges remain especially acute, with Westmoreland, Hanover, Manchester and St Elizabeth being the most problematic areas.