Solve murders, reduce crime

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The murder epidemic in Jamaica will not be resolved by legislation. We have seen the anti-gang legislation and, in its wake, murders have skyrocketed. I hear the call to utilise the death penalty; that is no vaccine for this epidemic. Worldwide, we have seen that new or draconian laws do little to deter criminal behaviour.

The main thing that deters criminal behaviour is the assurance of punishment. The death penalty will not strike any fear in vicious murderers when more than half of the murders last year went unsolved. Criminals have become more brazen and it is natural when shootings in broad daylight go unsolved. The only way to curb this trend is to have more cases being solved and perpetrators feeling that they will get caught and their punishment is assured. Countries with robust crime-solving capabilities are among the safest. The countries with harsh penalties are still in a struggle to contain crime.

Another reason for the high murder rate is the lack of faith in our justice and court system. Many people observe cases taking years and even decades to come to a resolution. That does not inspire their confidence, and in their estimation choosing violence results in a timely resolution. Couple that with the fact that we are not solving enough murders, then there is the incentive to take matters into their own hands.

I know we have the laws to tackle crime. I believe we can make bail more elusive for firearm-related cases and extend the mandatory sentences for firearm offences. But the solution rests with the police. We need the Jamaica Constabulary Force to be an investigation-based body to solve these murders.

ADREAN GENTLES