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Greater Use of Science and Technology to Solve Crime

December 23, 2008

The Full Story

The Government will be making greater use of science and technology in the effort to solve crime, including DNA technology.
“We are going to pass legislation to enable the establishment of a DNA database in Jamaica and to allow for the admission of DNA evidence into our criminal justice system,” said Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, Senator Arthur Williams, as he addressed a long service awards ceremony for employees of the Power Services Company Limited in Mandeville on December 20.
“DNA evidence has been in use in many countries throughout the world. It is perhaps the most reliable scientific evidence that one can ever get,” he stated.
He informed that the electronic monitoring of persons, who have run afoul of the law, and the strategic positioning of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in town centres, will also be employed.
“CCTV has been in use in many countries and has proven to be a valuable addition to the police force to monitor public spaces and to fight crime in our towns and we are moving in that direction. Indeed, Mandeville is going to be the first town to have CCTV installed. It is going to follow in May Pen, Clarendon and in Montego Bay, St. James,” he informed.
In addition to the use of technology, Senator Williams said that measures are being put in place to rid the police force of corruption, and to reform the criminal justice system to beef up human resources and introduce modern strategies and equipment.
According to Senator Williams, employing a “more humane effort,” is pivotal to impacting the crime situation in a significant way.
“We also have to use more humane efforts in the fight against crime and violence. I believe that we can make greater use of the social intervention efforts, which have been proven to be able to take control and to contain crime and violence in many of our inner-city communities across Jamaica. It has been shown to be a useful method in taking back our communities from the criminals,” he stated.

Last Updated: December 23, 2008

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