St. James Police Targets Further Reductions in Murders

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in charge of St. James, Lynette Williams-Martin, said that a number of initiatives will be put in place to reduce major crimes in the parish, especially murders.

"Murder is just a headache here in St. James.  Last year, the police was able to reduce it in a significant way, and we intend this year to continue that and we (will) see further reductions here this very year," she declared yesterday (February 2) at the weekly meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Providence Montego Bay, held at the Wexford Hotel in the city.

"We want reductions in shootings, robbery, carnal abuse, rapes, larceny, break-ins, and we intend to dismantle and disrupt at least three major gangs this year," she noted further.

While not revealing the specific measures to be undertaken, SSP Williams-Martin, who was recently assigned to the parish, said that there will be increased monitoring of the 228 communities in the parish, 21 of which can be described as inner-city areas, by the dedicated and hard working police officers assigned to 10 stations.

She noted further that concerted effort will be made to revive the community confidence in the police through the restoration of at least four dormant neighbourhood watch groups and  four inactive police youth clubs, and the staging of regular community meetings over the next few months.

Urging the residents of the parish to "come onboard and partner with the police" SSP Williams-Martin said that a reduction in crime will boost commercial activity and increase confidence in the police.

She also appealed for citizens to uphold their civic responsibility and serve as jurors when they are so chosen, so that the justice system can work to the benefit of all.  

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am asking you to please partner with us, give us your assistance, come to the court, we need intelligent people," she urged.
SSP Williams-Martin pointed out that if people refuse to serve as jurors then all the work that the police put into capturing the criminals and bring them before the courts would be in vain.

CONTACT: BRYAN MILLER
JIS REGIONAL OFFICE
MONTEGO BAY