Security forces at an SOE checkpoint - file photo
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Assistant Commissioner Clifford Chambers, head of the Area One Police
By Halshane Burke
A State of Public Emergency has been declared for the parishes of Clarendon and St. James.
The SOE started at midnight Tuesday and will remain in effect for an initial period of 14 days.
A release from the Office of the Prime Minister says both parishes remain of particular concern for outbreaks of gang violence.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness says although there have been some successes in reducing murders in both parishes through strategic and tactical security operations, more needs to be done.
The declaration of a State of Public Emergency will allow the security forces to carry out targeted operations in Clarendon and St. James.
This is the second instance where the declaration of a State of Public Emergency is being communicated via a press release instead of the usual press conference.
The Opposition People's National Party has raised issue with the serial use of SOEs to deal with crime and violence and has called for the security forces to be provided with more resources rather than the liberal use of the measure.
SOE to help St. James
Assistant Commissioner Clifford Chambers, head of the Area One Police, said the declaration of the State of Emergency in St. James will help the police to address the recent flare up of gang activities in the parish.
He said areas such as Tucker, Granville, Shanty Town in Norwood, Barrett Town and Cambridge are of particular concern.
"What we have is these crimes are now all over into different areas, different parishes, because of the amalgamation of the gangs. So though we do have about 40 active gangs in St. James, we are now seeing the flare up in these communities.... So as a result of that, we have now had the state of public emergency, so that should give us some impact in being better able to target these gangsters," he declared.
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