Intelligence gathering is key

The Editor, Sir:

I write in response to The Gleaner's recent article, 'Deadly Dudus raid'. Given the chronic lack of accurate intelligence on the whereabouts of Christopher 'Dudus' Coke and other targeted criminals, that would tend to increase civilian casualties, it is perhaps in the nature of our nation's history, but Jamaican security measures rely too much on a philosophy of the fast draw, hoping we will shoot more quickly than our opponents. If Jamaica is to seriously combat crime, we must first rely on very good intelligence.

Jamaica's security forces need better intelligence and to be equipped with the powerful new technologies of the 21st century. Jamaica needs a wire-interception statute to address either the technological advancements in telecommunications, or the changes in the nature and structure of criminal enterprises over the past many years. This statute would provide much-needed improvements to assist law enforcement.

Statute's vision

Furthermore, the statute's vision is to provide a secure, seamless sharing of information among systems, an outreach plan to promote timely and credible intelligence sharing. Not least is the plan's determination to respect and protect individuals' privacy and civil rights.

Intelligence gathering is prerequisite to effective policing when tracking gangs and other criminals. Many of these criminal organisations have sophisticated structures and extensive supporting networks, allowing them to engage in such criminal activities as running drugs, firearms and money laundering. Law enforcement must know more about who they are, who they work with and what they are doing. Put simply, we are on to them and we will use that intelligence against them. The objective is to always ensure that we don't just chase organised criminals, we get ahead of them.

Good intelligence probably would have avoided a high level of civilian casualties and sought cooperation with local residents in order to acquire information. Civilian casualties, however, lead to a lower probability that residents will provide accurate information in the future. Most citizens of inner cities or poor neighbourhoods in Jamaica don't trust the security forces. The fear of reprisal is also enough to keep people in volatile communities from working with law enforcement. It is this mistrust and fear that must be defeated if the country is to move forward.

I am, etc.,

Neville Carnegie