Crime Reduction Strategies Being Implemented in South St. Andrew – Minister
By: , April 18, 2018The Key Point:
Photo: Adrian Walker
Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang (left), interacts with residents in South St. Andrew during a tour of the area on April 16. The Minister was accompanied by Commissioner of Police, Major General Antony Anderson, and several senior members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).The Facts
- Addressing journalists at the Hunts Bay Police Station in St. Andrew on April 16, prior to his tour of several communities in the Division, Dr. Chang said actions are being taken in the area and elsewhere to “ensure that the men and women of the police force can execute the kind of programmes that will be effective in reducing criminal activities”.
- Dr. Chang noted that in recent times, sections of the division have been experiencing “high levels” of criminal activities, and the Government is providing the necessary support to dismantle the 31 gangs operating in the area.
The Full Story
Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, says crime-reduction strategies are being implemented in South St. Andrew and other crime-plagued areas across the island.
Addressing journalists at the Hunts Bay Police Station in St. Andrew on April 16, prior to his tour of several communities in the Division, Dr. Chang said actions are being taken in the area and elsewhere to “ensure that the men and women of the police force can execute the kind of programmes that will be effective in reducing criminal activities”.
Accompanied by Commissioner of Police, Major General Antony Anderson, and several senior members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), the Minister interacted with residents and engaged in discussions with police officers in the division.
Dr. Chang noted that in recent times, sections of the division have been experiencing “high levels” of criminal activities, and the Government is providing the necessary support to dismantle the 31 gangs operating in the area.
“The Commissioner of Police has taken some actions, which require the support of the Government,” Dr. Chang told reporters, adding that the tour was a “demonstration that we are moving as one team to ensure that we can overcome the vicious activities of criminals”.
He underscored that measures will also be taken to “correct physical decay” of the infrastructure, and re-establish healthy communities, so that when order is restored by the police, the residents will have added reasons not to accommodate the gangs.
For his part, the Commissioner reported that “actions have started” with additional resources taken from other police divisions, and that “specific persons” are being targeted, with a focus on the financial backers of the gangs as well as the members.
Major General Anderson noted that at different times, the division has had minimal criminal activities, and “we will get it back under control, even if we have to take some more assets (from elsewhere) to focus on this area”.