Vandals target new Portland police HQ

PORT ANTONIO, Portland:

The new $104-million state-of-the-art police station in Port Antonio, which was handed over by Prime Minister Andrew Holness on July 24, has been damaged by vandals and turned into a refuge for the homeless.

The station, which is to serve as the divisional headquarters for the Portland Police Division, is not yet occupied by members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, who are awaiting the final finishing touches, along with furniture.

Last Tuesday morning, it was discovered that a section of the front door leading to the main administrative building was shattered by a stone. Since then, a sheet of plyboard has been placed in front of the glass door.

A man of unsound mind has taken up temporary residence at the entrance door to the administrative building, transforming the area into a makeshift bedroom.

The work at the Port Antonio station required the demolition and reconstruction of the divisional headquarters, the police station itself, the living quarters, and cell areas.

Additional upgrades were also done, including fencing, installation of grilles, gates, staircases, and balconies, along with paving and marking of the courtyard.