By Leonardo Blair, Staff ReporterIN A list of recommendations to tackle the nation's crime problem, Clive Mullings, the Jamaica Labour Party's (JLP) Deputy Spokesman on National Security, called on Government yesterday to enforce the death penalty if it intends to keep it alive on the books.
In his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives which held the attention of both sides of chamber, Mr. Mullings said the solution to crime will come out of a stronger political will and less forming of police units and passing of legislation.
"The time has come to repeal the distinctions between capital murder and non-capital murder. If we do not believe that we should have the death penalty then we should abolish it. If we believe it then we should enforce it. The society is waiting for help," said Mr. Mullings amid much desk-thumping from his colleagues on the Opposition benches.
Mr. Mullings, an attorney-at-law, said in its fight against crime, Government needs to pay closer attention to circumstantial evidence and forensic science since there was a problem getting eyewitness accounts of crimes because of a climate of fear and a lack of confidence among Jamaicans.
DNA SAMPLING
"It is time we invested heavily in science and forensic technology, including DNA sampling to improve the solution and conviction rate in crime," said Mr. Mullings. "It is not enough to form units and pass legislation. It is time for us to engage our best minds in crime detection."
Citing the need for the services of a working ballistic drugs fire machine, Mr. Mullings said Government's current capacity to scientifically investigate crime is wanting.
"For the past two-and-a-half years the Police Force has been without the services of the ballistic drugs fire machine," said Mr. Mullings.
The machine is a computerised system used by ballistic experts to trace spent shells found at crime scenes.
"This would enable investigators to trace and link guns faster and more efficiently. This situation must be corrected immediately," Mullings added.
The attorney suggested that a degree programme in forensic science and pathology be established locally as a first step. He also supported Government's initial multi-agency approach introduced last year to solve crime.
