VICE chancellor of the University of the West Indies Professor Nigel Harris has proposed the establishment of a criminal justice and security institute to help combat rising crime in the region.

Harris, speaking at the Lasco Top Cop awards luncheon on Tuesday, said crime was inflicting huge social, economic and developmental costs to Caribbean states.

“Over the last two decades, the countries of the Commonwealth Caribbean have been experiencing rapid changes in the nature and extent of crime. New forms of crime have emerged,” Harris said. “All of these impact directly upon the economics of the region and the general feelings of insecurity and vulnerability among the peoples of the region,” he added.

According to Harris, the objectives of the proposed institute would be to conduct extensive research in crime, security and the justice system, offer education and training to regional law enforcers and provide consultancy services and policy advice to governments in the region.

Harris said countries like Jamaica, Guyana and Trinidad are under pressure and needed to upgrade their crime-fighting techniques in order to keep abreast with the modern criminal underworld.

“The level of sophistication required of today’s policemen and women is extremely high. In addition to combat skills and knowledge of the law, today’s policemen and policewomen are also required to have other skills,” Harris said.