Westmoreland Police Division has launched a major operation dubbed ‘operation reassurance’ which it said is aimed at reassuring residents of their support towards creating and maintaining a low crime environment.

It said Wednesday’s operation will be a full-day activity that will morph into similar activities over time as a means of controlling crime and criminals within the division.

The operation team comprises some 124 personnel from the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the Jamaica Defence Force, the Area One Fugitive Apprehension Team, Highway Patrols and the Transport Authority. A Justice of the Peace is also on location, the police said in a release.

The operation kicked off at 10:45 am following a briefing with the team.

Areas of concentration for the team are Morgans Bridge, Frome, Whithorn, Savanna-La-Mar, and Negril. These areas are said to be a major contributor to crime within the parish.

Commanding Officer for Westmoreland Superintendent Othneil Dobson who was supported by Crime Officer Dale Reid and intelligence officer Omar Collins told the Jamaica Observer that while all major crimes, including murders and shootings, are down in the parish when compared to last year, the security forces are working to maintain the achievement made.

“We continue to work hard to ensure that the division is safe and this operation is meant to capture wanted men, violence producers and other producers of crime. Also, persons of interest who continue to plague the communities in Westmoreland,” stated Superintendent Dobson.

“We urge and ask the citizens in Westmoreland to continue to support us, to provide us with information that will assist in making your communities a safer place for you all,” added Superintendent Dobson.

Superintendent Dobson said Wednesday’s operation can be seen as a way of managing crime which will help throughout the Yuletide season and as a testing ground for major operations in 2025.