Improved Crime-Fighting Strategies For St James Police

The St James police are reporting that as at February 9, the parish had recorded a 35 per cent decline in shootings, a 40 per cent decline in robberies, and 100 per cent decline in break-ins.

Head of the St James police, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Vernon Ellis, said there has been a reduction in major crimes in the parish, except homicides.

Speaking at the monthly meeting of the St. James Municipal Corporation on Thursday (February 10), SSP Ellis attributed the reduction to improved strategies being employed by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) as well as increased presence of police officers in the parish.

“We have received several new officers, and assets have been sent to bolster the ground itself and the challenges that we’re facing,” SSP Ellis informed.

He said although homicides have increased, the JCF is implementing measures to pull back on the violent killings. He added that 41 guns were recovered in the first 41 days of the year.

Additionally, the senior policeman said the St. James Ministers’ Fraternal, along with other community groups, have been helping the police, and this has resulted in the arrests of several wanted men.

SSP Ellis also expressed confidence in the work of the police officers and various units in the division that have been proactive in fighting crime.