Crawford wants special police unit for crimes against children

Opposition spokesman on Youth Senator Damion Crawford is calling for the establishment of a special police squad for perpetrators of crimes against children.

Also, Crawford wants the government to introduce new legislation that will impose stronger penalties for these offenders.

The opposition spokesman says he's shocked and angry at the murder of 14-year-old Yetanya Francis in Arnett Gardens in Kingston.

Her nude, partly burnt body was found in a section of the community by residents about 11:30 a.m. last Friday.

“The continuation of such acts should jolt a nation into action to accept new laws that would cause for greater punishment for crimes against children. The perpetrators are an example of individuals that I have argued should be termed enemies of the state and hunted by a special squad if they refuse to turn themselves in after 24hrs,” Crawford said in a statement.

“It is also my opinion that individuals who are aware of a crime and take no action to intervene in even as basic a way as calling the police should be considered accomplices to the crime as reports of the screams for help, ignored by neighbours, are equally atrocious,” he added.

Crawford offered condolences to the family and friends of the teen and said that he hopes the police stops at nothing to catch her killer(s).

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