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Govt. To Wage Relentless War against Criminals – Montague

By: , April 30, 2016

The Key Point:

National Security Minister, Hon. Robert Montague, says the Government remains committed to mobilizing all the resources at its disposal to wage a “relentless war” against criminal elements “intent on destroying our nation.”

The Facts

  • The Minister explained that in pursuing crime prevention through social development, the Ministry, in partnership with other state entities and communities, will seek to tackle issues deemed the “root causes,” including unemployment and poor parenting.
  • The Minister said the administration’s focus on positioning Jamaica as a prosperous society where the citizens will feel safe, “is not an impossible dream.”

The Full Story

National Security Minister, Hon. Robert Montague, says the Government remains committed to mobilizing all the resources at its disposal to wage a “relentless war” against criminal elements “intent on destroying our nation.”

To this end, he says the administration is currently exploring the possible resumption of hanging.

Noting that it forms part of the crime prevention strategies aimed at creating safer communities, by tackling “lawless elements,”  Mr. Montague said State Minister, Senator the Hon. Pearnel Charles, Jr., has been asked to consult with several stakeholders, including the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General’s Office, to determine if there are any “legal impediments” to be addressed.

“It cannot be that persons feel comfortable to exact criminality, but do not expect to be severely punished. Persons intent on breaking the law must know that the punishment will be sure, swift, and just,” Mr. Montague emphasised.

The Minister was  speaking at the Passing Out Parade and Awards Ceremony for 324 Constables, at the National Police College of Jamaica, at Twickenhm Park, St. Catherine, on  April 29.

Mr. Montague said the Ministry’s overall approach to creating safer communities is based on five key pillars –  crime prevention through social development; situational prevention; effective policing; swift and sure justice processes; and reducing re-offending.

The Minister  explained that in pursuing crime prevention through social development, the Ministry, in partnership with other state entities and communities, will seek to tackle issues deemed the “root causes,” including unemployment and poor parenting.

 

Additionally,  he  said situational issues contributing to the prevalence of crime, such as limited street lights and overgrown lots are also being addressed.

He pointed out that “good progress” was already being made in this regard, consequent on a series of stakeholder community meetings staged in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, among others.

Mr. Montague said, however, that pivotal to the strategies is the rehabilitation of persons convicted for crimes.

To this end, he advised that the Ministry is reviewing rehabilitation programmes currently provided in correctional institutions to determine their effectiveness.

The Minister said the administration’s focus on positioning Jamaica as a prosperous society where the citizens will feel safe, “is not an impossible dream.”

“But, it will require that all of us, as citizens of Jamaica, work together in partnership to make this dream our reality,” he added.

Friday’s  ceremony  saw 324 recruits graduating after completing seven months of training. The trainees will be assigned to various police divisions across the island.

Last Updated: May 2, 2016

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