Citizen Security Plan Provides Holistic Approach to Crime Reduction – Minister Chang

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, says the holistic approach to crime reduction being undertaken through the Citizen Security Plan (CSP) is crucial in addressing social issues and transforming lives. 

He said the work carried out under the initiative will impact families and communities, improve public order and build safer communities.  

Dr. Chang was addressing the closing out ceremony for the Review of  the Technical Assistance to the CSP at the University of the West Indies Regional Headquarters on January 25. 

A component of Plan Secure Jamaica, the CSP is focused on community development through the delivery of targeted services in vulnerable areas that have been identified in more than 100 communities.  

Recognising the value of a multi-sectoral approach to improving citizen safety and security, the programme works to ensure that social interventions are mainstreamed within the agencies and departments of Government for the transformation of the selected communities. 

 The $43-billion programme is being undertaken through support from the European Union (EU) and was approved by the Government in May 2020. 

An important element of the CSP is the work of a technical assistance team in building the capacity of the Government to design and implement effective social policies and programmes, through the collection and analysis of data.  

Dr. Chang expressed gratitude to the EU for the support, noting that it serves to “institutionalise the Government’s commitment to crime prevention”. 

Director General, Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Dr. Wayne Henry, in his remarks, highlighted the work of the technical assistance team in strengthening the foundation from which to build capacity and research in crime prevention.  

He said the efforts of the team have been notable and include contributing to new data-collection tools for the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the child guidance clinics and the Ministry of National Security’s case managers who work in the targeted communities.  

Dr. Henry said that after more than three years since the CSP’s inception, and £6.64 million disbursed by the EU, it is the transformative activity being undertaken by Jamaican stakeholder agencies “that has established the programme as a unique development intervention”.  

Executive Director for the Citizen Security Secretariat (CSS), Dianne McIntosh, for her part, said the work will continue to ensure that every corner of the nation experiences the peace and security it deserves through targeted community focus. 

“We have to continue ramping up the communication and visibility of the CSP, to continue letting the people of Jamaica know that the Government of Jamaica is working to curb crime and create citizen security for all,” she said. 

Ambassador of the EU to Jamaica, Marianne Van Steen, noted the organisation’s commitment to providing support to make Jamaica safer and better for all its citizens.  

She hailed the members of the technical assistance team for their commitment in ensuring that the various objectives of the programme are met.