Police get tough on problematic parking lot near KPH

The police have implemented measures at the troubled car park across from the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) aimed at strengthening public safety.

Police service vehicles were observed parked in the area this morning.

Head of the Kingston West Police Division, Senior Superintendent Brian Henry, emphasised that their presence remains strategic rather than fixed.

The parking lot is owned by KPH, and the latest move by the police follows at least two gun-related incidents in the area since January —one resulting in a murder.

According to Henry, the current approach is a concentrated one, involving close collaboration between the Kingston Western and Kingston Central police divisions.

This targeted strategy is designed to maintain flexibility while ensuring sustained coverage within key zones, he said.

“The police will be prosecuting and displacing anyone found loitering within the area of the park based on legislative provisions,” he stressed.

In addition to policing efforts, several safety enhancement initiatives have been rolled out through a multi-agency partnership.

These include collaboration with Kingston West Member of Parliament Desmond McKenzie, the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), and the management of KPH.

Among the measures undertaken is the debushing of the hospital’s car park and sections of nearby Luke Lane.

This activity is intended to improve visibility and reduce opportunities for criminal activity.

Authorities have also moved to strengthen surveillance capabilities, with increased CCTV coverage forming a critical part of the security framework.

Reiterating the operational strategy, Henry stressed that police personnel remain actively deployed throughout the designated grid, hoping to keep flare-ups between rivals to a minimum.

- Corey Robinson

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