Ross Sheil, Staff Reporter
Commissioner of Police Lucius Thomas revealing the Murder Reduction Action Plan to journalists during a press conference at the Police Officers' Club in St. Andrew yesterday. Looking on is Deputy Commissioner of Police Jevene Bent. - RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
NEWS THAT murders plummeted nearly 23 per cent in January, compared to the same period in 2005, has bolstered the police force's confidence in light of plans announced yesterday to reduce the homicide rate by five per cent in 2006.
So far, there have been at least 113 murders in January, down by 33, when compared to the corresponding period last year. Major crimes also fell by 11 per cent over the comparative period, according to statistics revealed by the Police High Command during a press briefing at the Police Officers' Club in St. Andrew.
During the function, Com-missioner of Police Lucius Thomas launched the Murder Reduction Action Plan, cautioning that 2006 would be a challenging year. He cited the People's National Party (PNP) leadership poll, the possible calling of a general election this year and the spectre of labour unrest when the Public Sector Memorandum of Understanding expires in March.
FAVOURABLE TRENDS
"It is nothing to shout about yet, and I am not telling Jamaica that all is well, but it is a start," said the commissioner. He announced that major crimes also declined, with 8,461 in 2005 against 8,800 in 2004. Road accident fatalities also fell by 49, and 73 more firearms were recovered. But he expressed worry about the trend of killing women in reprisals, with 188 murdered in 2005 compared to 141 in 2004.
Of further concern to the commissioner was the increase in police fatal shootings, by 60, in 2005. But he reasoned social conditions made police work demanding, with young men more willing to fire upon police. He said 70 per cent of major crimes in Jamaica are committed by young men under 35.
Speaking to The Gleaner, Deputy Commissioner of Police Mark Shields, who is in charge of the Murder Reduction Action Plan, said recent results showed a further reduction might be possible.
A LOT OF GOOD WORK
"The conviction of 'Richie Poo', other people are in custody, there is a lot of good work going on. And two weeks after we broke the murder/robbery ring in Grants Pen - those suspects remain in custody. All this justifies optimism."
Commissioner Thomas also praised the work of Superintendent Delroy Hewitt, DCP Shields and their colleagues for "displaying bravery in difficult circumstances", during recent gang war in the Kingston West Police Division. But he added his own note of caution, observing that JCF plans would fail if not supported by the rank and file who he noted were "underpaid and overworked".
Murder Reduction Action Plan:
Establish a JCF Crime Hotspot Secretariat.
Establish a Kingston & St. Andrew Major Investigative Task Force.
Enhance the role of the National Intelligence Bureau.
Improve police coordination with social partners in areas of high crime and violence.
Work with partners to improve efficiency of criminal justice system.
Improve use of forensics, including ballistics and fingerprint testing.
Train investigators.
