Smith

A new commissioner of police will be appointed by January 1, according to Minister of National Security, Derrick Smith.

Mr. Smith said that the Police Service Commission (PSC), the body responsible for appointing a commissioner, was conducting interviews with more than 20 applicants for the job, and persons would soon be shortlisted.

Speaking yesterday at the weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, Mr. Smith said the current administration would accept the decision of the PSC.

He stressed that the political directorate had no influence over the appointment of the commissioner.

More money to fight crime

Turning to the fight against crime, Mr. Smith said the Government would be allocating some $280 million to boost the capacity of the force to tackle the scourge of crime and violence.

New motor vehicles will be acquired at a cost of $75 million; $100 million will be spent to repair police stations that are in a state of disrepair, while the police training school at Twickenham Park will also be repaired. Protective gear will also be purchased for the police.