Cops commit to dismantling gangs by month-end

WESTERN BUREAU:

THE ST James Police have committed to disrupt and dismantle three major gangs in the parish by the end of March as part of its ten-pronged plan to tame the crime monster over the next 12 months.

Senior Superintendent of Police in charge of St James Linette Williams-Martin addressing the Lions Club of Montego Bay at the Verney House Hotel last Thursday said high unemployment, lack of education and poverty have been impacting directly on policing and social services in the city.

"The rapid pace of commercial development in the parish has drawn people from all walks of life into Montego Bay, seeking opportunities for a better life. This is believed to have been the main cause behind the establishment of more than 21 informal communities, which has brought about a population explosion which revolves around the city."

Improve relationship

She indicated that the number of murders last year was reduced by 50, citing that this year, the police was hoping to have the number further reduced by 60 or more with the help of citizens.

In light of this, she said the police would be working to restore neighbourhood watches and institute measures to improve police-citizen relationship

Speaking to the issue of the lotto scam, the senior superintendent said: "We are on top of the situation. We are pursuing those who are actively involved under the Proceeds of Crime Act, and we are going after their assets. Just recently, a young man, 20-years-old, was apprehended. He has never worked in his life, yet he has a bank account of $10 million dollars, (and) a large house ... so we are on top of it."

Senior Superintendent Williams-Martin also highlighted what she said was a worrying concern - the fact that many persons were shunning jury duty.

She encouraged the public to accept jury duty as a service to the nation and a critical role in ensuring that justice is served.

The crime plan would aim for: a reduction in crime especially murders, restoration of public safety and confidence, upholding of human rights, boosting of the morale and confidence of Jamaica Constabulary Force and its auxiliaries, effective confrontation of corruption, effective internal and external communication, strengthening human resource capacity, improving management efficiency and resource utilisation, improving intelligence management and delivery systems and protection of the tourism product.