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A State of Public Emergency has been declared in the St. Andrew South Police Division and sections of the St. Andrew Central Police Division.
The government says this declaration follows a significant increase in violent criminal activities within these areas, particularly in communities such as Waltham Park Road, Maxfield Avenue, and Waterhouse.
These locations have been identified as hotspots for gang-related warfare which poses public safety risks to residents as well as commuters and bystanders given their use as public thoroughfares.
The assessment indicates that the current level of violence and criminal activity in these communities is extensive and exceeds the capacity of standard policing measures to effectively stabilise the affected communities and restore public order.
On November 25, five men were killed when gunmen carried out attacks at 75 Lane and neighbouring 83 Lane on Waltham Park Road.
According to the latest crime statistics, up to December 2, the St. Andrew South Division recorded the second highest number of murders with 113, while St. Andrew Central had 75.
Under a State of Public Emergency, the government says the enhanced security measures will allow the security forces to disrupt criminal networks, apprehend perpetrators, and create an environment conducive to sustainable peace.
These measures will continue to be implemented with strict adherence to constitutional safeguards and the protection of citizens' rights.
Furthermore, the government says it will also continue to address root causes of violence in these communities by actively engaging stakeholders to ensure that accompanying social intervention programmes will provide long-term solutions to the social and economic challenges faced by residents.
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