The Caribbean Search Centre is a joint security venture between the British and the Jamaican Government. The centre was established at the Jamaica Police Academy at Twickenham Park, St. Catherine in June 2001.
The centre came about when specialist from the United Kingdom conducted a demonstration of Systematic Search Techniques at the Jamaica Defence Force Headquarters. The Ministry of National Security was impressed as they saw it as a booster for Law Enforcement Agencies. The aim was to use this technique to
- Disrupt criminal activities
- Deprive criminal of resources
- Gain information for intelligence purpose
- Gain information to secure conviction
The Caribbean Search comprises of three residential Law Enforcements agencies
- The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF)
- The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF)
- The Department of Correctional Services (DCS)
The Jamaica Custom Department is also a part of the Caribbean Search Centre but they are none residential. The leadership of the Caribbean Search Centre is headed by a Senior Superintendent and a Deputy Superintendent of Police.
The Department’s staff at the Caribbean Search Centre comprises twenty two (22) Correctional Officers. These officers are attached to the St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre (St. C.A.C.C) and are assigned duties at the Caribbean Search Centre.
Core Functions
The DCS Search Team’s core function is to carry out Systematic Searches at the island Correctional Institutions to retrieve prohibited articles, and any other duties as detailed by the Director of Security.
The DCS Search Team also works in collaboration with the JDF and the JCF in joint Search Operations when called upon, to search the island lock-ups, jails, sporting venues and other public facilities.