The crisis of crime in Jamaica has reached a level that is unbearable and frightening. The situation is so severe that committed and patriotic Jamaicans are contemplating their future existence. The threatening crimes have affected all sectors and classes of the society and this is a major hindrance to development which is essential for the survival of growing economies.

The solution to the escalating crime is a multifaceted approach, which will help significantly in reducing crime immediately and in the future. The Government is taking proactive steps in increasing police presence which is commendable, but the first recommendation is a rapid and decisive response approach.

The most significant crime is homicide. This involves both innocent people and those who are involved in illegal operations. Whenever a murder is committed, immediately after receiving the report, the police station should notify all the surrounding posts and checkpoints should be set up on roads leading out of the affected area.

Increase security personnel

A significant number of police and military personnel should be dispatched in the area. Intense searching and investigation should be done in the neighbourhood to identify the perpetrators of the crime. Police officers along with military personnel should be assigned as rapid response officers and they should be available for dispatch whenever a murder is committed. In rough terrain, the increase in security personnel should be supported by a helicopter scanning the entire area.

This drastic and decisive action would give valuable information resulting in the arrest of killers and lawbreakers. Although it is important to implement policies and procedures to prevent crime, equally important in Jamaica's situation is to catch the instigators and perpetrators.

Another urgent action is to increase significantly the reward for information leading to the recovery of illegal weapons or information leading to the arrest of criminals who have committed murder. Individuals who cooperate with the police in giving information should be compensated significantly and protection be offered to individuals whose lives are threatened. The Government must be prepared to increase its spending on security to stem this escalating crime.

Warn the criminals

Government officials need to speak with a strong voice publicly, warning the criminals that they will be apprehended and assuring the public that the Government/police are in control and would be providing them with a safe environment to live. The Government at no time should be seen as being silent on the monster of crime. Weekly progress on successes in apprehension of killers should be published by Government officials and criminals would be discouraged from committing crimes because they would know that they would be apprehended. Regular amnesty periods should be announced for individuals who are in possession of illegal weapons.

Upon compliance, counselling sessions should be offered and opportunities provided for training and involvement in legitimate economic opportunities.

This multifaceted approach along with current strategies should yield considerable success and provide a safer and stable environment for the citizens of Jamaica.

I am, etc.,

Dr PAUL GYLES

Dean

College of Natural and Applied Sciences

Northern Caribbean University

Mandeville