Coming out of a meeting between Minister of National Security Dr. Peter Phillips and members of the Police High Command yesterday, the following initiatives for crime reduction in the Second City were announced during a press briefing in Montego Bay, St. James.
A multi-agency task force to identify short-, medium- and long-term sustainable solutions. A task force has been established with some clear objectives.
The provision for strategic threat assessment and a policing plan for the parish of St. James to include a detailed analysis of crime intelligence, human and physical resources and performance management. The urgent acquisition of resources to assist in the policing of crime hotspots,
including appropriate equipment and training for officers working in rough terrain.
Review of police-community partnerships, community policing deployment and effectiveness.
Additional resources have been provided to Area 1, including the Special Anti-Crime Task Force and the
Flying Squad.
The provision of Operation Kingfish/major investigation task force resources to review six critical crime cases, provide support and actions for an investigative strategy.
Proposal to establish an Operation Kingfish office and develop a source management unit.
Request for review and threat assessment of police corruption within Area 1, including the identification and targeting of those most suspected of involvement and disrupting police operations and undermining community trust and confidence in the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
Extend the process of vetting and polygraph tests for key personnel in Area 1 as a means of identifying the scale and source of the problems of corruption.
Establish a satellite anti-corruption office at a remote site in Area 1with a dedicated help line for police
and public to call in for advice and
information.
Develop systems within the
criminal justice system to fast-track
corruption cases thus preventing delay, potential for intimidation and loss of witnesses.
