Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Jamaica Constabulary Force must have superior capabilities to respond to criminals.
He made the point in relation to the shootout in May Pen, Clarendon on Sunday between police and gunmen.
Meantime, Mr. Holness says the police force is almost a para-military organisation, because it must have the ability to use force that is “over and above” normal policing, hence the need for a special operations unit.
Concerns have been expressed about the disbanding of the mobile reserve.
However, the Prime Minister states that the JCF must become an organisation that can use force without violence and use it proportionately and as a last resort.
He says there will be stronger accountability in the new special operations unit which will also be grounded in the doctrine on use of force.
The prime minister notes that former members would be able to reintegrate into the new unit and undergo training.
Meantime, the Jamaica Constabulary Force will be given a new fleet of cars to boost mobility.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the tenders should be out this week or early next week.
The vehicles will be equipped with global positioning system (GPS) tracking.
Mr. Holness also committed to acquiring a dialysis machine to be used by members of the police force.
Regarding health insurance coverage, he explained that the process has started to see how officers won’t have to pay out of pocket for medical bills.
He spoke of other benefits and resources coming to the police.
Holness was addressing the 76th Annual Joint Central Conferences of the Jamaica Police Federation at the Moon Palace Jamaica Grande Hotel in Ocho Rios, St. Ann.
The conference ends today.