KINGSTON, Jamaica — Security Minister Robert Montague today outlined a slew of initiatives to be undertaken by his administration, to tackle the country’s nagging crime problem.

Chief among them is the implementation of a ‘5 Pillar Crime Strategy’, which is a comprehensive approach to tackle the causes of crime and, over time, treat with the issues and start more rehabilitation programmes.

Speaking at the 73rd Annual Joint Central Conferences of the Jamaica Police Federation at the Hilton Resort and Spa in Rose Hall, St James, Montague said the ‘5 Pillar Crime Strategy’ includes a sure and swift justice process; crime prevention through social development; situational prevention; effective policing; and reducing reoffending.

“The approach requires that all impediments to apprehending, prosecuting and effectively punishing offenders, particularly murderers, be eliminated with urgency,” he said. “Those persons who have committed major crimes and those contemplating murders must become convinced by our intentions and actions that justice will be served swiftly, justly and surely.”

He explained that delays in apprehension, prolonged prosecutions and diluted punishment increases the pain of the victims and their loved ones as well as discourages law enforcers while giving comfort to offenders and emboldens the criminally inclined, hence the need for a sure and swift justice process.

The minister explained that the crime prevention through social development pillar seeks to tackle some of the social factors that have been among the root causes of the growth of crime such as: poor housing which leads to squatter settlements, inadequate family income, poor parent-child relations, poor educational outcomes and peer associations that encourage delinquency and joining of gangs.

Expounding on situational prevention as a pillar, Montage said it refers to measures that reduce opportunities for particular crime problems through spatial intervention. He said new communities must be properly planned and older ones upgraded, adding that communities must have roads so the police, ambulance, fire and garbage trucks can go in.

“People must have proper and specific addresses and names,” the security minister said.

On the matter of effective policing, Montague said community-based approach to policing is an essential part in the strategy and requires and relies on the building of partnerships between the police and the citizens they serve.

Within this pillar, Montague said his administration intends to increase the number of police youth clubs and neighbourhood watches as well as increase the mobility of police officers. At least 30 mobile stations will be rolled out this year and the number of district constables will be increased with many of them returning to serve in their communities.

“We are committed to a policy of rehabilitation and redemption that re-directs offenders from pursuing careers in crime to becoming productive law abiding citizens when they return to society,” Montague said of the fifth pillar: Reducing reoffending.

In the meantime, the security minister said his ministry will work in tandem with the police to reduce corruption in the force.

Additionally, of matters directly concerning police officers, Montague said he will be seeking to improve promotions, restart the police bus service, contribute to the legal and welfare funds, recruit more officers, improve training, recruit more police officers, repair stations, improve working conditions, and increase the use of technology.

He insisted that these steps to be taken by his administration will begin to change the country’s crime profile.

“It comes with great challenges, but I am confident that we have a police force that has the capacity in partnership with the citizens of Jamaica and with the full support of us to win this fight against crime…,” said Montague.