Police Commissioner Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin has dismantled the Special Branch arm of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), among many changes within the organisation that are slated to take effect within a couple of weeks.

Admiral Lewin made the announcement yesterday during the JCF's monthly press conference at the Police Officers' Club on Hope Road, St Andrew.

The commissioner said changes had to be made to modernise the JCF as it tackles Jamaica's number-one problem - crime - in the 21st century.

The changes to take effect "in a fortnight" include the merger of the National Intelligence Bureau with Operation Kingfish, the counternarcotics and major crimes task force that was formed to dismantle major organised criminal networks.

With Special Branch out of the way, the merged division will now be referred to as NIB Kingfish.

"What we have are three separate formations having a similar function all competing for resources and none of them fully staffed for the role," Lewin said.

"So, you have areas of overlap and I dare say, possibly even areas of tension."

The Professional Standards Branch (PSB) has also been disbanded. It will be replaced with the Inspectorate of Constabulary. An inspector general is to be named to head this unit.

"This will be the commissioner's eyes and ears of the police force," said Lewin.

The commissioner of police has also dismantled the Firearms and Coastal Unit. The unit has been replaced with the Firearms and Use of Force Task Group, which will report to the commissioner's office.

Merger

And the Community Relations Branch, headed by Assistant Commissioner of Police John McLean, has been merged with the Community Safety Branch.

ACP McLean said this merger will bring aspects of community safety, partnership, crime prevention and community policing together with neighbourhood watch, youth issues and mediation.

Other changes made by Lewin include the transfer of the Strategy, Modernisation and Planning Department to the commissioner's office, which previously fell under the supervision of the PSB unit.

Other divisions, including traffic, marine, canine, port, patrol and band, will be supervised by a new unit, the Support Services Branch. The commissioner will name an assistant commissioner of police to head this branch.