Bunting calls for overhaul of government's crime fighting strategies

By Nakinskie Robinson   

 

Shadow National Security Minister Senator Peter Bunting is calling for an immediate overhaul of the crime fighting strategies being used by the government.

 

The call follows last week's imposition of states of emergency in five parishes and one police division. The opposition has routinely criticised the security measure as being ineffective.

 

Senator Bunting says the "self-congratulatory indulgence" by the security forces and the government has been short-lived, as at least 21 murders have occurred since last Friday's SOE expansion. He noted that most of these homicides occurred in SOE parishes.

 

"Last week, there were 38 murders reported across Jamaica. The incidents of violence coming to public attention have only intensified in the current week - criminals demonstrating the impunity with which they feel they can operate under this administration. These incidents highlight an administration bankrupt of ideas that continues to rely solely on ineffective emergency measures to curb the deeply rooted issues of crime and violence," he declared. 

 

Mr. Bunting said the Prime Minister, Minister of National Security, and the Commissioner of Police must be held accountable for failing to ensure public safety.

 

He also criticised the Police Commissioner's deployment of resources, saying it is perplexing and does not appear to be data-driven. 

 

"Almost 300 new graduates were deployed at the end of November, but not a single graduate was assigned to the understaffed hotspot divisions of St. James, Westmoreland and Hanover," he pointed out. 

 

"It's imperative that we adopt a more comprehensive and nuanced approach. We have proposed technology driven crime fighting tools coupled with comprehensive social intervention programmes and a heightened investment in law enforcement capabilities," the opposition spokesman suggested.  

 

Mr. Bunting said the opposition stands ready to collaborate with the government to curb growing criminality in Jamaica.