Lock-up facility to relieve crowded holding cells

KINGSTON – The government is contemplating the establishment of a new lock-up facility at Up Park Camp, St Andrew, in the face of unprecedented overcrowding in all police lock-ups across the island,A source said the government intended to fast-track its plans as cells are bursting at the seams.There are indications that the vast spike in the number of prisoners is overwhelming the policemen and women who are working to keep them in check.The police say the enactment of the Bail Act and the proliferation of police operations in recent weeks have yielded a dramatic increase in crime suspects.“The present rate of intake of prisoners is really blocking up the system,” a senior cop said.“It is literally frightening. The police have to be weighing their options on who to keep,” said another policeman. (Jamaica Gleaner)