Rethink crime suppression

Ronald Mason

Criminal activity has a stranglehold on life in Jamaica. Here are some figures that illustrate the extent of criminal activity in 2012 as reported by the United States Department of State - Bureau of Diplomatic Security.

These appalling figures have to be reviewed in the light of a country with a population of 2.7 million. This is combined with the fact that a foreign government has compiled and published this about our country. There were 1,083 murders, 1,218 shootings, 763 incidents of carnal abuse, 833 rapes, 2,679 robberies, 3,094 break-ins, 691 cases of larceny. The projection based on the trend of criminal activity in 2013 is for an 11% increase in murders.

This level of crime saps some five per cent from our gross domestic product growth. The police are unable to patrol and protect most neighbourhoods adequately. The private security industry is a growth industry. The cost of security is very significant in all commercial activity. There is very little second shift being employed, yet those with the public megaphone bleat on and on about productivity and export.

We cannot successfully tap into the export market to earn hard currency as the support infrastructure for increased production cannot take place. Inadequate night transportation, excessive electricity charges, and archaic labour laws, worsened by the deepening effect of the national crime scourge.

Recommendations

Let us take a look at a few specific recommendations that will have an impact on reducing crime. It will cost some money, but I would challenge the Ministry of National Security to do the costing and compare to the methods now being employed. Those who would offer the hard policy opinion need to remember we cannot murder murder. The profit from crime is just too attractive.

Introduce the cadets as a mandatory part of each high-school curriculum. No opting out. The discipline which is to be found in the Cadet Corps will assist in the socialisation of our young persons. Hup, two, three, four! Shine shoes, polished brass, respect for officers, punctuality and a clear defined path to achieve.

The Jamaica Defence Force does not appear to be fully utilised to the extent that it would not design a cadet programme and implement it in each high school. I am open to discussing the exclusion of the all-girl schools, but there is a role for increased discipline in the female population. Ramping shops are not the sole purview of the male. Party buses would fade without the active participation of the girls.

I am sure the question would be raised as to how to utilise these youngsters who have benefited from the cadet experience. I propose that they be incorporated into the JDF and JCF and fully trained for deployment through the United Nations peacekeeping forces. The originating country is paid in excess of US$1,000 per month for each person on peacekeeping duty. We do not pay that much to the new members of the security forces.

Jamaica participates in UN peacekeeping around the world, but on a very limited scale. We had persons in Darfour. Let us explore the opportunity that exists. Killing youngsters is not working as a crime-reduction strategy.

There are others in the society that are in desperate need of social intervention. There are the young men who are incarcerated. We must put a programme in place where you cannot be paroled until you are literate, unless there are physical barriers to this. Remember the large majority of persons in prison are going to be returned to the society. They are literally held captive. Expose them to, and target them for, literacy.

TEACH PRISONERS TO READ

The Jamaican Foundation for Lifelong Learning needs to be renewed with a mission. Teach the prisoners to read and write. This will make them eligible for further skill training and the prospects of gainful employment. Give them alternatives to a life of crime. Allow schools and retired teachers to have an avenue to put their skills to use in tackling this social problem. Provide an incentive for those incarcerated to acquire literacy. It could aid in the parole process.

The other piece of the social intervention approach to crime reduction is to formalise and fund venture capital. Let us clearly understand that some money will be lost. Not every venture will be a success. However, take a look at what the venture fund will be working with: tertiary- and skill-trained persons who have a viable idea.

The Jamaica Business Development Corporation will play a role. Professionals such as accountants, lawyers, engineers and experienced business persons will vet the proposals. You will drive the creation of small and medium enterprises with its capacity to provide jobs and economic growth. We have scores of retired persons who, for a small stipend (tax free), would be sought out to be involved in this project.

The approach to crime reduction has become stale and uninspiring. It could almost be summed up in one word - shoot. Where is the hope? Remember, no child was born with a depraved, dog-hearted mindset. This is learned behaviour. We need to intervene and change the learning dynamics and redirect it for a practical outcome.

Think outside the box, Mr Minister of National Security. You have become the irrelevant square peg in the round hole. Our country needs to be rescued.

Ronald Mason is an immigration attorney-at-law, mediator and talk-show host. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and nationsagenda@gmail.com.