The Senior Communications Strategist with the Constabulary Force has called for the modernization of the legislation surrounding public mischief.

Dennis Brooks’ call, follows yesterday’s (June 4) bomb scare at the Rubis Gas Station in Ocho Rios, St Ann.

The threat, which was made via social media, disrupted the operations of several businesses in the area for several hours, as emergency personnel from the Fire Brigade, the Jamaica Defence Force and the police’s bomb squad responded.

The area was evacuated and an extensive search conducted.

However, no bomb was found.

An individual, who released a video on social media last evening, has claimed responsibility for the bomb threat.

He has been asked to turn himself in to the police.

Yesterday’s incident was followed by another bomb scare at the St. Mary High School this morning.

Speaking with IRIE FM news, Mr Brooks explained that with the rise of digital communication, there is a transformation of the social landscape, where cops are faced with a new manifestation of old problems.

He explained further that the issue of public mischief is traditionally associated with physical disruptions to the societal order but this has migrated to the digital space.

Mr Brooks stressed the importance of having discussions on whether or not adequate legislative tools exist to address this evolving problem.