The case for CCTV

Dennie Quill, Columnist

Last week, the entire world was gripped by the deadly bombing of the Boston Marathon. Many commentators said finding those responsible for killing three people and wounding more than 170 others would be like searching for a needle in a haystack. Well, as we now know, three days after the bombings the police were able to show a video of the suspects placing bags near the finish line.

The world watched in fascination as the investigators went to work demonstrating how modern technology can aid in solving crime. In our musings last week, we felt sure that the perpetrators would have been caught fairly quickly and suggested that modern technology would be brought to the forefront of this investigation. Indeed, it was simply amazing to see how the investigations unfolded and evidence was adduced.

Even though good old-school detective work is always important in solving crime, there are lessons for law-enforcement agencies to learn from the way surveillance video, digital evidence and other technology were employed to solve this particular crime. Gone are the grainy analogue images of yesterday, new and improved CCTV footage proved very beneficial in this case.

In today's media-savvy world, camera phones are widely used to capture images at public events. These photos to be posted on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Flickr where they can be seen by others from any corner of the earth. It is difficult for a criminal to hide his wrongdoings these days, and in this case, the police used clips collected from bystanders' phones to solve the case.

It is becoming more and more critical for law-enforcement personnel to be trained to use new technology in order that they may get the maximum benefits from them in solving crime. Peter Bunting is a man who appears to be results-driven, judging from his previous life as a successful investment banker, and one can understand his frustration in failing to make an impact as minister of national security.

He has found out, much to his chagrin, that in removing Christopher 'Dudus' Coke from the jurisdiction, shutting down one criminal network does not rid Jamaica of thugs and the people who support and facilitate them.

Fight evil with technology

Yes, Mr Bunting, evil will always be around. However, instead of indulging in hand-wringing, we must use modern technology to fight this evil. Mr Bunting needs to convince his colleagues that Jamaica needs to make a major investment in the security forces that will see more resources being ploughed into the national security portfolio.

It's even more important to have a well-equipped Jamaica Constabulary Force than it is to have a large force of men and women. 'Increase technology, not manpower' should be the mantra.

While crime will never be eradicated, there are myriad examples of cities that have defeated the crime monster. We must look for some real solutions.

Plans have been announced to build new hotels in Kingston, with the hope of attracting more tourists to the nation's capital. Many people no longer feel safe going out at night. Street crimes and home invasions are on the rise, and there are many unreported stories of persons being trailed to their homes, held up in car parks and robbed.

The victims, ever so grateful for being spared, tend to cower and say their prayers, instead of going to the police. Do we seriously think we can get visitors to come to Kingston when the residents don't feel safe?

Dennie Quill is a veteran journalist. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and denniequill@hotmail.com.