The government rejects top cop’s proposal for a limited state of emergency against crime.
By Aabigayle McIntosh
The proposal by the Police High Command to grant authority for a restricted state of emergency to tackle criminal activities in certain areas has not found favor with the government.
Atley Rodney, the Police Commissioner, revealed that this suggestion was part of several recommendations presented to Ministry of Legal Affairs officials.
These officials are currently in the process of reviewing the laws governing the police department.
According to Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, Lionel Max Hurst, the Cabinet’s consensus is that such a measure would be more suitable for larger countries like Jamaica.
He expressed reservations, “There was no backing for the concept of a limited state of emergency. We are not inclined towards it primarily because it infringes upon rights during its enforcement.”
Meanwhile, officers from the St John’s Police Station are set to undergo a temporary relocation to a neighboring facility.
This shift is intended to accommodate essential repair work that has been pending.
According to statements by Hurst to journalists on Thursday, active negotiations are underway with the building’s landlord.
He said that the East Wing of the station will become non-functional due to these repairs. The subpar working conditions have been a subject of prolonged grievances among the police officers.
This story was first published by Antigua News on August 25, 2023: antigua.news/2023/08/25/the-government-rejects-top-cops-proposal-for-a-limited-state-of-emergency-against-crime. © 2023 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
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Mae August 25, 2023, 10:13 AM