KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – The Government is strengthening the prison rehabilitation programme in order to reduce reoffending and equip inmates with skills to re-enter society.

Minister of National Security, Robert Montague, said that focus is being placed on improving literacy, preparing inmates for external examinations, engaging them in farming and other work, and providing training in conflict resolution.

“We are insisting that those who are able to, must work,” he said, while addressing a Security and Ethics Conference on Tuesday at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.

Minister Montague noted that rehabilitation of inmates is critical in the fight against crime.

He said he is convinced that with the resources of the security forces, leadership at the national and community levels, as well as the support of citizens, the desired results can be achieved.

Meanwhile, he informed that as part of improving citizen security, the Government is looking at providing closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and a police post for housing developments with 200 and more units.

Minister Montague is also encouraging persons to download the Stay Alert app from the Google Play Store.

The app allows persons to send photos and videos to the police control centre and there is a panic mode to alert law enforcement in times of crisis.