Prime Minister Andrew Holness has stated that more could be done to improve the holding areas at the Freeport police station in St. James, where detainees are being held under the state of emergency.

The tour follows criticism of the conditions under which detainees were being held, from the Opposition, some former detainees, as well as the public defender.

The police force has sought to rubbish those claims.

Mr. Holness went on a fact finding tour of the facilities today (Dec 8) accompanied by National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang and Police Commissioner Major General Anthony Anderson.

He said the facilities are up to standard.

The Prime Minister said the tour is aimed at ensuring that the system being used to process persons detained under the state of emergency, do not breach their rights.

Mr. Holness also expressed appreciation to the security forces for not abusing their powers.

And, Mr. Holness has reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting and safeguarding the human rights of all Jamaicans, while reducing the country’s crime rate.

He was addressing persons who were taken to the Denham Town forward operating base, in western Kingston, by members of the security forces, to be processed under the state of public emergency.

Mr. Holness’ visit to the facility formed part of a tour of lockups and detention centres in Kingston, St. Catherine and St. James today, to get a firsthand look at the operations.

He said the government remains resolute in protecting the rights of persons who have been taken into custody.

He said the government is committed to providing a coordinated and multi-sectoral approach for preventing and responding to crime, adding that measures are being implemented to strengthen the trust between the citizens and the security forces.

Mr. Holness said the government is working to ensure that over time, enhanced security measures, such as the zones of special operations and states of public emergency, will not be needed.