Today we continue our publication of excerpts from the manifestos produced by Jamaica’s political parties, with a look on CRIME.

The manifesto for the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party was launched last month, while that for the ruling People’s National Party was presented on September 16.

The United People’s Party and the New Jamaica Alliance are yet to launch their manifestos, but excerpts will be used from these documents as soon as they are available.

DESPITE improvements in almost every facet of life in Jamaica, the problem of crime and violence remains challenging. It must, therefore, receive even greater priority attention in the next term of the People’s National Party government. This will entail an acceleration of the investment in modernisation, which the PNP has already started.

In response to the high level of criminal activity, we have adopted a multi-faceted approach to fighting crime. There is no quick fix solution. While the initiatives have met with some success, a sustained effort remains necessary to reduce crime and bring about order to every aspect of Jamaican life.

Already the PNP has:

* Introduced conflict resolution programmes in schools and communities.

* Encouraged proper values and attitudes as a preventive measure in dealing with crime and violence.

* Launched a police force/citizens’ service charter.

* Improved discipline within the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

* Added a new civil rights component to training at the Police Academy.

* Improved intelligence gathering within the constabulary.

* Created new, specialised crime-fighting units.

* Introduced legislation to seize the proceeds of crime. These include the Money Laundering and Forfeiture of Assets Acts.

* Established a special drug court to deal with drug-related criminal matters.

* Purchased more and better equipment for the security forces.

* Provided some 3,000 more motor vehicles and 60 new motor cycles for the JCF.

* Introduced community-friendly bicycle patrols and increased foot patrols.

* Collaborated with high-level crime-fighting forces and organisations internationally.

Merely investing more money in law enforcement will not solve the problem. We are, therefore, upgrading and modernising the JCF in keeping with the highest international standards.

At the same time, fundamental legislative changes are being undertaken to reform outdated laws and enact new and more relevant ones.

Modern policing strategies, anchored firmly in a new relationship of trust and mutual respect between the security forces and the Jamaican people, will also be a critical component of our campaign to bring about law and order in the society and make our communities safe.

The PNP recognises that we have entered a new era in terms of the nature, intensity and scope of the criminal threat that pervades the society.

We are, therefore, moving systematically to reverse the growing trend towards violence and disorder by attacking the root causes which have been identified as the mushrooming of the illegal drug and gun trades.

Building on the advances already made, in the next term the PNP will continue to pursue three primary objectives:

* A systematic attack on the illegal drug trade, the illegal importation of guns and ammunition, and the gangs that these activities spawn. This includes close collaboration with international law enforcement agencies and the introduction of new co-operative measures to tackle international criminal networks.

* The recovery of guns that are already in criminal hands

* The creation of harmonious community relations rooted in trust between the people and an efficient, competent and professional police force.

Crime-fighting Initiatives

During the next term of a PNP government we will invest in new security technology, equipment and infrastructure including:

* The introduction of closed circuit (CCTV) surveillance of public spaces as part of our thrust to ensure public order.

* Additional x-ray and ionscan equipment to inspect cargo at our ports of entry and to detect drugs, guns and identify drug smugglers.

* More vessels for the security forces to enhance inshore and offshore patrol and interdiction capability.

* Equipment for coastal surveillance of our borders to increase monitoring, interception and apprehension of suspicious vessels.

* New wireless telecommunications and new management information systems for the constabulary force.

* Additional motor cycles and other motor vehicles to increase the mobility of the constabulary force.

* More armoured vehicles, including ambulances, to allow for tactical deployment.

* Refurbishing of police stations to acceptable standards.

* Construction of a new penal institution with modern facilities to ensure effective rehabilitation.

The PNP’s programme of crime fighting and restoration of public order will include new and improved systems such as:

* A new Command Centre.

* A National Intelligence Bureau which will consolidate intelligence activities including Special Branch, the National Firearms and Drug Intelligence Centre and the Organised Crime Unit.

* A central border control security authority to be in charge of the island’s ports of entry and enforce greater control over access to airports and seaports. A Port Security Act has been drafted to support this initiative.

* Improved training for the security forces including risk assessment training for the JCF.

* Increased collaboration with our foreign partners in the areas of training, intelligence gathering and joint operations.

* A new traffic management system including a traffic accident analysis unit and greater enforcement of the Road Traffic Act.

* A national study of the structure of the Jamaican drug industry and its effects on society.

* Expansion of the Peace Management Initiative.

* Major improvements in community policing and youth initiatives as part of a broad-based social effort to reverse the pervasive culture of violence.

* Accelerating recruitment to increase the ratio of police to citizens. We will bring the JCF to full staff strength with an additional 3,000 recruits.

* Full implementation of the recommendations of the National Committee on Crime and Violence, including those which have already been incorporated in the strategic plan for the Ministry of National Security. They include the establishment of a Security Committee of Parliament.