Sections of Kingston and St. Andrew are now under a state of emergency that is expected to last for 14 days in the initial phase.
This is the third set of enhanced security measures implemented by government, with the other 2 already in the St. Catherine North and St. James police divisions.
In announcing the new SOE this morning (Sep 23) Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the increased security measures will impact parts of the Kingston Central, Western and St. Andrew South police divisions, effective today September 23.
Among the areas to be affected are: Central Downtown (market and business districts) Denham Town, Jones Town, Tivoli Gardens and Trench Town.
Speaking at a press conference this morning, Chief of Defence Staff Major General Rocky Meade, outlined the affected areas along the northern and eastern borders.
The southern and western boundaries include the vicinity of the Petrojam complex and the Tinson Pen runway.
He urged persons to familiarize themselves with the regulations associated with the operations of the SOE and implored drivers to lower windows and turn on roof-lights upon approach of checkpoints.
He advised against slowing down to observe state of emergency check points operations.
The opening and closing times as designated under this state of emergency are as follows:
| Description of establishment | Opening hours | Purpose |
| 1. Clubs and fast food restaurants | From 7:00 am until 9:00 pm | The normal operations of the establishment. |
| 2. Every place required by law to operate under a tavern licence | From 9:00 am until 8:00 pm | The normal operations of the establishment. |
| 3. Petroleum filling stations | From 6:00 am until 9:00 pm | The normal operations of the establishment. |
| 4. Supermarkets, grocery shops, haberdasheries, cookshops and any other place (other than a place referred to in any other paragraph of this table) offering goods for sale | From 8:00 am until 7:00 pm | The normal operations of the establishment. |
| 5. Pharmacies | From 8:00 am until 8:00 pm | The normal operations of the establishment |
| 6. Churches | From 9:00 am until 9:00 pm | The normal operations of the establishment |
| 7. Any other public place | From 9:00 am until 7:00 pm | The normal operations of the establishment |
The public is urged to use the JDF tip hotline (876-837-8888) to provide information regarding gangs and gang activity, illegal guns and ammunition, wanted persons and persons of interest, and any other information of a security nature.