The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has received $30 million worth of valuable equipment to strengthen its capabilities in fighting cybercrime.
The equipment was handed over to the Communication, Forensics and Cybercrime Division (CFCD) during a ceremony held recently.
The items include; desktop computers, laptops, monitors, smart television, hard drives, printers, scanners among other necessities. They were provided through a collaboration of branches under the Ministry of National Security.
The Minister of National Security, Dr Horace Chang said that in the first half of 2022, the Latin America and the Caribbean Region experienced approximately 137 billion cyberattack attempts.
He said; “Locally and most recently, the Office of the Prime Minister was the subject of a cyberattack, highlighting that cybercrime is everyone’s problem. As a result, it is pertinent that the Government of Jamaica keep abreast of the dangers associated with cyberspace and proactively position itself to deal with the emergence of new and existing cybercrimes.”
Against this background, he noted, that the Ministry, through the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), identified opportunities for collaboration with its agencies and departments to mainstream cyber awareness and provide resources to strengthen cybersecurity capacities.
Dr Chang underscored that such collaboration led to the formation of project PRO-CYBER which played a critical role in acquiring the necessary equipment to challenge cybercrime.
The project involves specific focus on technology and infrastructure improvement, which is intended to impact four key areas, namely, training and development, technical equipment, software licensing and workspace renovation.
The Commissioner of Police, Major General Antony Anderson said the donation of the equipment is important at this time.
Major Anderson said; “Technology implementation and the benefits of technology are critical for transformation here at the JCF. At the same time, as we do that, the development of our people who are going to use that technology is equally as critical.”
