THE Jamaica Constabulary Force yesterday received three customised mobile police stations and three fully equipped mobile forensic units -- a gift from the British government to aid its crime fighting and investigative capabilities.

The units, which cost a total of US$711,867.50, were handed over to the JCF by Deputy British High Commissioner to Jamaica Graham Glover at a ceremony at the Office of the Commissioner of Police on Hope Road, St Andrew.

According to the British High Commission, the donation will assist the JCF in two vital areas -- supporting the investigation of crime scenes and facilitating the preservation of evidence in transport through temperature-controlled storage, and developing community safety and community policing in Jamaica.

"The units will be utilised to increase the presence and capabilities of the police across Jamaica," Assistant Commissioner in charge of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, Les Green told the Observer following the presentation.

ACP Green said with the new units, little or no vital evidence will be lost before it reaches the government forensic laboratory.

The mobile forensic units are equipped with a generator, lighting, tent and a number of other technical pieces of equipment to enhance the service delivery, including a refrigerator to preserve forensic samples.

"With the provision of these (mobile) stations residents can obtain information, report crime and get advice on issues of concern," Green added.

Yesterday's presentation of the mobile forensic units, brought to eight the number of such units now in the hands of the police.