Since the start of the year there have been over 1400 people murdered in Jamaica, an average of 4 to 5 persons per day. The increasing crime wave has had adverse effects on our businesses, transportation and schools. Although most of the crimes are concentrated in certain communities it has the entire nation in a state of panic. More and more pressure is being placed on the Government by ‘John Public’ to put an end to the surge in violence.
Recently the Government has been introducing several measures which will help the security forces in the fight against crime. These include the acquisition of an Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS), a ballistics machine that can link bullets and spent shells recovered from crime scenes with crimes committed in other places. The Larceny Amendment Bill against extortionist and the plea bargaining legislation aimed at catching the real criminal masterminds should also aid in ridding the nation of criminal elements.

Follow up:

Today Cabinet gave the Minister of National Security, Dr. Peter Phillips the go ahead to increase the compliment of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JDF) from 8500 to 10,000over the next 18 months. The plan is also to move 500 officers from desk to frontline duties. Some of these desk jobs are to be filled by civilians. The recruiting of new officers is to begin immediately. Operations Kingfish which has had some measure of success in investigating and solving crimes since its inception is also to be expanded.
Will these measures by the Government help to lessen crime in Jamaica? If not then what is the answer? Is it too little too late? I think most people are at the point where they are prepared to give anything a try. What is for sure is that it will need the cooperation of every Jamaican if crime is to be eradicated from our beloved nation. We need to get past the political affiliations and work together as one people.
Nuff Love