THE JLP is looking at the merging of the Jamaica Defence Force and the Constabulary Forces into one unit, said Oppo-sition spokesman on National Security, Derrick Smith.
"I am strongly of the view that future governments either will not be able, or find it extremely difficult to adequately fund the various arms of the security forces," Mr. Smith told the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
The way to go
He said that amalgamated crime-fighting machinery still seems to be the way to go in the new century. However, he suggested that a study be carried out, so that the issue could be rationally addressed, as the intention was not to offend the sensibilities of anyone.
He said that he intended to travel to Costa Rica later this year, to look at their model of a single security force.
Mr. Smith said: "I am appealing to Members of this Honourable House to keep their minds open. Jamaica cannot continue to have an army, without the requisite funding to be effective. The country cannot continue to have an Island Special Constabulary Force devoid of the basic tools and amenities with which to carry out its work. Jamaica cannot continue to have a Constabulary Force bawling out daily for funding, as it is without good motor vehicles, without decent accommodation and is generally ill-equipped.
"The Army is in the prison doing the work of the prison warders. The Army is on the streets doing the work of the police. I hear the objections from the army officers and career policemen and I hear the objections from persons who are not willing to be open-minded. (But), having sat on this portfolio for six years and having looked at it thoroughly, it is my view that this is where we should go in the future to have one force dealing with all aspects of national security."
