Blake: New police station in Frome strengthens law enforcement, community trust
Published:Sunday | March 23, 2025 | 9:50 PMAlbert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake says the opening of the newly built Frome Police Station, in Westmoreland, is a clear indication of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) unwavering commitment to provide a safer environment to residents.
“This modern facility will enhance the efficiency of our police officers, improve their working conditions, and provide a welcoming space for community engagement,” said Blake, in speaking to the new facility which was constructed for $200 million through funding from the National Housing Trust (NHT).
“For some time now, the citizens of Frome and surrounding areas have expressed concerns about the need for more suitable police infrastructure, and today we take a significant step forward in addressing these concerns,” said Blake, who along with National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang participated in the cutting of the ribbon to formally open the new facility last Friday.
The station will provide a more comfortable working and living environment for members of the JCF to better serve the community of Frome and surrounding areas.
According to Blake, who has been at the helm of the 157-year-old police force for almost a year this month, the Frome Police Station is a testament to their duty to provide service by enforcing the laws of the country and protecting the people of Westmoreland.
“I trust that the unveiling of this building is seen as a statement of our commitment to the people of Westmoreland. It symbolises our duty to the safety of the communities it serves and a promise that law enforcement will continue to evolve to meet the needs of these communities,” Blake said.
The police commissioner however urged the community to use the facility as a place to forge partnerships and facilitate solutions capable of solving problems.
“I want to take this opportunity to urge community members to view this station not just as a place to report a crime, but also as a centre for partnership, trust, and problem-solving,” said Blake. “To the citizens of Frome, please see it as your own, work with the officers stationed here, and build strong relationships that will help prevent crime and maintain peace.”
Westmoreland has recorded a 45.7 per cent decline in all major crimes from January 1 to March 13, 2025, compared to the similar period last year. The police commissioner credited the determination of the men and women under his command for working with the citizens, business community, and other stakeholders in what he called a ‘force multiplier’ to achieve this goal, which is now being celebrated.
CITIZENS PRAISED FOR COOPERATION
“While I recognise the efforts of my officers under the leadership of Senior Superintendent of Police Othneil Dobson, under the guidance of ACP (Assistant Commissioner of Police) Glenford Miller and his team from Area One, I also want to recognise the citizens of Westmoreland for their contribution to these results,” said Blake, who noted that addressing the challenges of crime and violence goes beyond the enforcement of the law.
“It is a whole community effort, requiring cooperation from residents, business owners, and all stakeholders by simply deciding to obey the law, for citizens to be active in neighbourhood watches and report suspicious activities,” said Blake. “Your decision not to commit a crime, your decision to protect your community, your decision to harden your target helps us, the police, and in our field, we call it the force multiplier. Obviously, much of that was being done, so I want to use the opportunity to thank the citizens as well and invite you to celebrate the success taking place here in this parish.”
Frome Police Station is one of two located within Zone 2 of the Westmoreland Police Division. It falls under the second-tier leadership of Assistant Superintendent of Police Jordaine Allen, the zone commander. The other is the Morgan Bridge Police Station in Grange Hill.
“The opening of the new Frome Police Station will give the police an opportunity to be closer to the citizens in the Frome police area, and we are looking forward to having greater partnerships with them,” Allen told The Gleaner.
He further noted that the police, under the guidance of Dobson, will continue to provide a safer space for everyone to live, work, and do business.
“So, as we embark on our community safety activities and other operational activities, including the business community and other stakeholders engagements, we will be collaborating for greater outcomes, so that together we can ensure that we have a safer community,” he added.