KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Police High Command has reported that 1,724 individuals have been processed since the inception of the state of emergency (SOE) in St James in January.

Of that number, 133 have been charged — with 56 being charged with major crimes to include 22 for murder, 19 for shooting, 12 for robbery and six for rape.

The figures come amid concerns expressed by the High Command about calls for the ending of the SOE in the parish, contending that the crime measure is proving to be effective and has saved the lives of at least 54 people.

In a statement today, the High Command said that the feedback about the SOE so far from citizens in the parish has been positive, disclosing that the greatest concern by residents is a “premature ending” to the measure as this “is the safest they have felt in years”.

It reported that there is currently a steady rebuilding of public trust towards the police across several communities in St James, and the fear of crime, while not totally removed, has greatly subsided.

It assured that the operations under the SOE protect the human rights of the people and this has been achieved within the constraints of what the operational limitations are.

“This has been done through the training of security forces, the responsiveness of the high command to complaints, and through open dialogue between the high command, the public defender and other human rights groups. Within the context of our resources, and the difficult circumstances that we are faced with, we endeavour to swiftly address concerns.”

Meanwhile, it argued that the publication of those named as most wanted in the parish does not negate the reality that hundreds of others remain individuals of interest to the police. It also argued that once it has been established that those who are detained and processed are legitimately and gainfully employed, every effort is exerted to contact the relatives and employers of those individuals to preserve their employment.

“It must be understood that persons who kill and those who are being killed in the parish are within the same demographic. The perpetrator profile is largely youth between 15 and 25 years of age. In fact, of the 22 charged for murder under the SOE, two are under the statutory age of adulthood.”

It was further explained that “operations in the SOE are always informed by intelligence, information and data. They are largely targeted in the hotspot communities — where the most vulnerable were under threat for some time before the SOE. Additionally, the profile of gangs and their operations have guided the action of the security forces.

The police said it continue to implore citizens to maintain compliance with closure times and cooperate with the security forces in providing valid ID cards and personal information upon request. Relatives are also being encouraged to comply with instructions of the police when visiting detainees.

The High Command further reassured members of the public that the detention of people and the operations under the state of emergency, are being carried out in accordance with established principles of citizens’ safety and security and the maintenance of human rights and dignity.