Closing the Gap Between Crime and Public Perception
By: , February 8, 2024
Photo: Yhomo Hutchinson
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (left), greets Director of Research, Caribbean Policy Research Institute, Jamaica, Dr. Diana Thorburn (right) during the second staging of the national security seminar at the AC Marriott Hotel in St. Andrew on February 7. At centre is Commissioner of Police, Major General Antony Anderson.The Full Story
As Jamaica continues to register a significant decrease in serious and violent crimes, focus must be placed on closing the gap between the perception and experience of crime in the country, says Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness.
The Prime Minister, who was addressing Tuesday’s (February 7) national security seminar at the AC Marriott Hotel in New Kingston, noted that although the rate of crime is declining, the perception of crime has not moved in the same positive direction.
“Many Jamaicans feel that the level of crime is still high despite them not being a victim of crime themselves,” he pointed out.
Citing statistics, the Prime Minister noted that the country achieved a 22-year low in the crime rate last year, with murders down by 7.8 per cent, shootings down approximately six per cent and rape, robbery and break-ins down between 12 and 17 per cent.
He said that the downward trajectory is continuing in 2024.
The Prime Minister said that the recent travel advisory issued by the United States does reflect the improvements made in reducing crime.
“It is clear that, based on all the statistics and the direction in which we are heading, that the advisory is at variance with the statistics, as the improvements are evident, certainly in terms of what we’re doing with crime, violence and safety,” Mr. Holness stated.
The Prime Minister noted that the challenge for Government and law enforcement is to come up with strategies on how to “close the gap between how persons feel and the reality, especially in the age of social media and its impact on perception”.
“This is not to dismiss the concerns that people have about their safety and about crime,” he pointed out.
The Prime Minister said that the Administration will continue to make significant investment in the country’s national security architecture as well as amend critical pieces of legislation to fight crime.
He urged nations in the region to continue to collaborate to address the issue of organised crime and violence.
“It is imperative that we continue to collaborate and address this challenge, collectively drawing upon the shared experiences and expertise to find sustainable solutions,” the Prime Minister said.