There is no word yet out of a meeting involving National Security Minister Robert Montague and the Police Federation which was aimed at breaking the deadlock in the police wage talks.

Mr. Montague intervened today (Dec 21) on the request of the Police Federation.

The minister says the federation indicated it was anxiously anticipating his kind intervention and response.

That meeting began at 2:00 p.m. at the ministry and ended just before 5: p.m.

Mr. Montague has been asking the members of the force to remain calm, noting that he cares about the welfare of police personnel and will continue to do what is possible to continue improving their welfare.

Earlier this week, he appealed to rank and file members to show restraint while the new wage deal is being negotiated and not embark on a strike action during the Christmas season.

Mr. Montague said he is aware of messages on social media about a general police strike beginning on December 23.

Several members of the JCF called in sick last week in protest against the pace of the wage negotiation with the government.

Some police personnel have also cited the move to promote Federation Chairman Sergeant Raymond Wilson to Assistant Superintendent, noting that this takes him out of the wage negotiations.

In a statement today (Dec 21) the National Security Minister congratulated members of the force for the hard won gains made this year in the fight to make Jamaica safe.

Mr. Montague repeated that the police deserve more, and even in the fiscal constraints of the international monetary fund, said he will continue to take steps to improve their welfare, respond to their critical needs and provide a suitable working environment for them.

The statement says progress has been made in a number of areas including:  the repair of 160 police stations, provision of funds for ballistic vests, helmets and other resources   donation of a new s-u-v and a new bus to the federation to transport members, cabinet approval for the payment of legal fees for members, championing the call for merit-based promotions and increased mobility of police officers.