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Gov’t Making Use of Modern Technology in Crime Fighting

January 2, 2009

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Minister of National Security, Senator Col. Trevor MacMillan, has said that the Government is moving swiftly to introduce modern technology, as one of its chief weapons in the fight against crime.
Speaking at a function at the May Pen Police Station yesterday (Dec. 30), to launch the introduction of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) monitoring system in the town, Minister MacMillan said the wide scale use of modern technology will be pivotal in addressing the crime problem plaguing the nation, as outdated methods have proven to be ineffective, and will have to be shelved.
“The way we have to deal with the crime problem now is not the old-fashioned way.modern technology is going to be the answer, and I can assure you.this is a priority, an important priority. If we can keep those cameras going, there is going to be an impact on what is happening here,” he emphasised.
He invited corporate Jamaica to partner with the Government in installing the CCTVs across the island, noting that the investment will help to protect their lives and possessions.
“The main principle of a CCTV system, basically, is the more cameras there are, it is likely to impact on the whole problem of what you are trying to achieve. Because of that, I can say the Ministry of National Security is trying to assist in getting more cameras, but …it can’t be the Ministry of Security alone…. I would like to see CC TV not only in towns but in people’s businesses, in their offices, so they know who go in there…they have a record,” he said.
Minister MacMillan noted however that even with the technology, the co-operation of citizens is important to solving crime.
“There is no police jurisdiction anywhere in the world, irrespective of resources (that is) successful, if they do not get the cooperation of the community. It’s absolutely vital, and that cooperation is one in which it works both ways, and respect works both ways,” he stated.
He commended the cooperation “that I see obviously is happening in the parish of Clarendon, and I know it is happening elsewhere. If we really want to overcome our crime problem, it’s going to have to be the community working with the police across the island.”

Last Updated: January 2, 2009

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