DURING THE next term of a PNP Government we will invest in new security technology, equipment and infrastructure including:
The introduction of closed circuit (CCTV) surveillance of public spaces
as part of our thrust to ensure public order
Additional x-ray and ionscan equipment to inspect cargo at our ports of
entry and to detect drugs, guns and identify drug smugglers
More vessels for the Security Forces to enhance in-shore and off-shore
patrol and interdiction capability
Equipment for coastal surveillance of our borders to increase monitoring
interception and apprehension of suspicious vessels
New wireless telecommunications and new management information systems
for the Constabulary Force
Additional motorcycles and other motor vehicles to increase the mobility
of the Constabulary Force
More armoured vehicles, including ambulances, to allow for tactical deployment
Refurbishing of police stations to acceptable standards
Construction of a new penal institution with modern facilities to ensure
effective rehabilitation.
Our programme of crime fighting and restoration of public order will include
new and improved systems such as:
A new Command Centre
A National Intelligence Bureau which will consolidate intelligence activities,
including Special Branch, the National Firearms and Drug Intelligence Centre
and the Organised Crime Unit
A central border control security authority to be in charge of the island's
ports of entry and enforce greater control over access to airports and seaports.
A Port Security Act has been drafted to support this initiative.
Improved training for the Security Forces, including risk assessment training
for the JCF
Increased collaboration with our foreign partners in the areas of training,
intelligence gathering and joint operations
A new traffic management system, including a traffic accident analysis
unit and greater enforcement of the Road Traffic Act
A national study of the structure of the Jamaican drug industry and its
effects on society
Expansion of the Peace Management Initiative
Major improvements in community policing and youth initiatives as part
of a broad-based social effort to reverse the pervasive culture of violence
Accelerating recruitment to increase the ratio of police to citizens. We
will bring the JCF to full staff strength with an additional 3,000 recruits
Full implementation of the recommendations of the National Committee on
Crime and Violence, including those which have already been incorporated in
the strategic plan for the Ministry of National Security. They include the
establishment of a Security Committee of Parliament.
Another initiative to enhance our crime-fighting capacity will involve the re-organisation of the Island Special Constabulary Force to deal with a range of public order breaches, including illegal vending, illegal sand mining, illegal fishing, road traffic violations and praedial larceny
LEGISLATION
The following laws will be strengthened:
The Firearms Act to increase penalties for firearm offences
The Money Laundering Act to target the proceeds of illegal activities
The Domestic Violence Act to introduce stiffer penalties, including mandatory
charging, for these offences.
New legislation will allow for:
Greater control over access to our airports and seaports
Plea bargaining to secure vital testimony.
JLP's CRIME PLAN:
Crime reduction plan
Actively promote community policing, particularly in inner-city communities,
to improve the effectiveness of the police and to improve the relationship
between citizens and the police.
Remove politics from the police force by establishing an independent Police
Services Commission (members to be confirmed by two-thirds majority in each
House of Parliament).
Improve benefits and compensation for police officers, including a special
retirement plan, specialised training compensation, and quicker payment of
compensation and benefits.
Create a new, independent, modern and technology-led National Intelligence
Agency ("NIA") by merging police and military intelligence units (Special
Branch, Military Intelligence Unit). The NIA will report to a committee of
the Commissioner of Police, Chief of Staff of the JDF, and a representative
of the Attorney-General. The NIA chairman would be a civilian with a strong
human rights record.
Implement COMPSTAT to collect, monitor, analyse and map crime data, and
to devise strategies to reduce crime.
Increase the capital budget for the police for full computerisation and
equipment for intelligence, ballistic tests, DNA testing, forensics.
Facilitate the improvement and implementation to enforce a procedure for
proper crime scene management.
Increase penalties for terrorist activities and other serious crimes.
Launch a major programme to upgrade all police stations and ensure all
officers have proper radio and other necessary equipment.
Establish strategic police outposts and sub-stations in high crime areas
to diffuse crime and act as a deterrent to criminal activity.
Disband special "national" squads and rely instead on the National Intelligence
Agency and local forces to wipe out crime.
Fund the Crime Reduction Plan by negotiating with bilateral creditors to
channel bilateral debt repayments into crime fighting.
