Sustainable solutions to Jamaica’s crime

Jamaica has been severely challenged with the problem of crime and violence for over 45 years. This problem has affected the country negatively by inhibiting social, political and economic growth. The country is blessed with its strategic location in the Caribbean, beautiful environment, warm people and a culture that is admired by citizens of the world. Many policies, methods, committees and plans have been formed to address crime, but the disease of hideous and surging crimes continues to escalate. The security forces, consisting of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Jamaica Defence Force, have done well with limited resources to stem the tide of crime. However, the problem seems to threaten the existence of citizens. The sustainable solutions of:

1. Establishing a rapid response department (RRD);

2. Conducting heightened public awareness; and

3. Execution of inner-city renewal project will make a significant difference in addressing this long-term problem.

THREATENED STABILITY

The establishment of a rapid response department is critical at this time in the Jamaica Constabulary Force. A RRD is necessary because this is a major organisational thrust to impact positively on crime, which is threatening the stability of the country. The RRD should be supported by rapid response units at police stations in all parish headquarters and all major towns.

This approach to crime-fighting would not be an isolated response, but it would be sustained action that goes across the country to ensure quick apprehension of perpetrators of crime. The delayed apprehension of perpetrators of homicides strengthens the actions of criminals to continue their vicious acts. The rapid response method is practised in First-World countries like USA, Canada, England and France. This involves a heightened awareness of law enforcement and citizens to crime, resulting in quick apprehension of criminals.

The response involves immediate contact to police stations following a reported shooting or homicide. This is followed by increased police presence on major roadways leading out of the area where the report was made. Increased checks would be made on motorists leaving the area, and there should be massive deployment of security personnel in the area. This rapid and aggressive response to shootings should be communicated to citizens, so they can cooperate with the police in their investigations. This rapid response will send a message to criminals that once a shooting act is committed they will be caught.

The quick response and apprehension of the persons responsible for the shooting that occurred at a church in Trelawny on Sunday, January 31, is a good example of the effectiveness and success of the rapid response method. The sustained rapid response in solving crime will make a difference in addressing this problem that is impacting negatively on development within the country.

The solution of heightened public awareness should involve increased advertisements on the dreadful effects of crime. This should be done on radio, television and social media. The Government and private sector should increase public broadcast on the negative impact of crime and pronounce a zero-tolerance approach going forward. Broadcast should invite all Jamaicans to join hands and unite against the stain of crime. There should be increased erection of signs, banners and billboard in cities, towns, villages and communities denouncing criminal acts and shootings. This heightened public awareness would bring to the forefront the seriousness of criminal activities, and law- abiding citizens would be sensitised and alerted. This would result in increased cooperation among the population in relation to criminal activities.

Establishing community-renewal projects to clean up and paint the communities, along with offering practical courses at community centres, should be pursued immediately. The offering of practical courses exists, but it needs to be widespread and deliberate for certain communities. The focus on strengthening communities through projects would make a significant difference in empowering and assisting citizens within communities. This would provide immediate employment for the youth. Continuous plans should be made to maintain cleanliness and restore dignity to the citizens within communities. Old buildings should be demolished and alternative sites made available to relocate poor individuals living in depressed communities. The Government should work out long-term payment for these housing solutions. The teaching of trades and skills should be offered at community centres to the youth, so they can have alternatives to guns, gangs and drugs. The public and private sectors should inform the public of the renewed thrust and ask for cooperation. The rapid implementation and sustained support for these solutions will help considerably in solving the crime problem in Jamaica.

Professor Paul Gyles, PhD, is a university professor and research scientist.