MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica — Law enforcement authorities across western Jamaica are rolling out an intensified security initiative for the holiday season, vowing a no-nonsense stance toward criminal elements while reinforcing their operational footprint across four parishes.
Senior Superintendent Othneal Dobson, the acting area commander for the police division covering St James, Trelawny, Hanover, and Westmoreland, confirmed that a robust deployment strategy is now in full effect, backed by intelligence-led policing and cross-agency cooperation.
“We’re not simply present — we’re prepared. We have strong data on the key players and we’re operating with the confidence and capacity to intercept them before they act,” Dobson said during a media briefing on Tuesday.
With murder and shooting incidents down sharply, Dobson described 2025 as a turning point for Area One, attributing the gains to decisive tactical responses and sustained community engagement.
“This year marks the lowest crime figures we’ve recorded in nearly 20 years,” he noted. “Murders are down by over 50 percent, with 123 recorded so far — a dramatic drop from last year’s numbers.”
Increased Visibility, Faster Response
Dobson revealed that several non-critical administrative functions have been deprioritized to shift more officers into street operations. Police units will now be stationed across high-traffic areas, commercial zones, and transportation hubs throughout the festive period.
“The strategy is clear: dominate the spaces that matter most — not just reactively, but preemptively. We’re working on visibility, rapid response, and high-precision disruption,” he said.
Multi-Agency Force Behind the Curtain
The security plan is not limited to local divisions. Support has been enlisted from national formations including agricultural protection teams, tactical operations units, and military partners. These reinforcements are providing operational depth and enabling simultaneous coverage across multiple locations.
Warning to Criminals, Guidance to Merchants
While delivering a firm message to offenders — “We know who you are, and we’re coming,” — SSP Dobson also extended practical advice to the business sector, which often sees a spike in financial activity during the holiday season.
“Reduce exposure. Use registered couriers. Limit large cash holdings. Work closely with your local police. These are simple precautions that go a long way,” he advised.
He also encouraged business operators to adopt a collaborative posture, reporting any suspicious behavior early to aid in prevention.
“Help Us Help You”
In closing, Dobson made a direct appeal to residents and entrepreneurs alike: “If you see something, say something. Every piece of intelligence shared sharpens our response.”
As western Jamaica heads into the year-end period, the message from Area One police leadership is resolute — this season, security comes first.
