A State of Public Emergency has been declared for St. Catherine.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness made the announcement during a virtual news conference this morning.
The enhanced security measure comes three days after gangsters clashed in the market district in Spanish Town, St. Catherine.
In anticipation of criticism about the use of the security measure, Mr. Holness said the Government had to act; it could not "sit by and see innocent Jamaicans going about their business, on their way to work or from the market and scurrying for their lives".
But in acting, he assured that the government would remain "within the boundaries of our laws and our Constitution" and rely on the courts for guidance and interpretation.
Mr. Holness reiterated that the government's first responsibility is the preservation and protection of life, adding that it must "ensure that the average citizen feels safe and secure".
So far, several men have been detained in operations under the State of Public Emergency.