Crime Stop! How ironic? Year after year this slogan has been used as a call to action for Jamaican citizens, only to fall on deaf ears.

Nevertheless, I must say, I do admire the efforts of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) in its use of creativity and satire to encourage citizens to report criminal activities — the latest being that of the Valentine’s Day post in which a citizen reported a young lady despite being on her Valentine’s Day date. But how effective has this approach been? While I commend the JCF’s efforts, the issue of eradicating the culture of criminality within our society is a complex one that requires careful analysis and structured intervention and approach by the Government and the relevant stakeholders.

The recent brutal killing of 14-year-old Pryce Johnson has left many Jamaicans with a gut-wrenching feeling. A student’s life has been cut short due to the perpetuation of the culture of criminality in our society. Is this going to be another nine-day talk and then forgotten while the cycle repeats itself?

It has not reached your doorstep, well… not yet. As such, we often “see and blind, hear and deaf”. This has been the culture and narrative of many Jamaicans, especially in the inner city, when it comes to reporting crime. Though offered the convenience of anonymity, it is clear that the majority will not risk their lives as well as that of their families. Several factors contribute to this.

The power of dons and Robin Hood syndrome

In the story of Robin Hood, a legendary outlaw who robs the rich and gives to the poor is hailed as a hero, a blind eye turned to any wrongdoing. The same can be said of dons in the Jamaican society, who, despite their criminal activities and destruction of society and families, are still lauded as heroes. This hero syndrome has extended to people withholding information to protect these dons.

It is often said by citizens in such communities that these dons provide financial assistance with back-to-school and other basic necessities. This lifestyle has become a tradition and no one dares to speak or “inform” on these powerful figures.

Now the downside of this is that these dons have the power to make demands and do as they please. This includes sending for a son or daughter to perform sexual favours. This is a child who is now groomed in a heinous lifestyle and lacks the power to stand up for herself/himself. Moreover, some parents are intentional in “pimping” out their children to receive financial support. If parents are not protecting their children, then who will? Unemployment is not an excuse to put a child’s innocence, freedom, and life in jeopardy. While some decisions are intentional, others are through fear and intimidation from these dons, leaving them with no choice but to conform.

Lack of trust in security forces

The Integrity Commission has reported that, according to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), Jamaica was ranked 69th out of 180 countries for corruption, with a score of 44 out of 100 in 2023.

This is significant because of the corruption that exists within the public sector. Such alarming statistics has left us to ponder: What really is the problem in this small island of Jamaica?

Crime Stop says our reports will be anonymous, but is it really? While I must commend some people in the JCF for upholding the law and protecting and serving, there are some who evidently are not living up to the oath they have taken. Hence, there is fear and lack of trust in the security forces when it comes to reporting crime.

While most people would prefer to be upstanding citizens and speak out against wrongdoing, they just cannot take that risk. Why is this so? It is believed that some individuals who are put in place to protect and serve are providing information to criminals for either financial benefits, protection, or other necessities. Now, with that narrative permeating our Jamaican society, it seems that people will continue to “see and blind, hear and deaf”. Not until the tables turn will there be change.

In the case of 14-year-old Johnson, it is alleged that the perpetrator is known to members of the community; however, they have decide to remain quiet. Crime stop? By whom? When? There are so many injustices that have been swept under the carpet, and many families have not received any closure or peace to continue living a normal life. Is this the Jamaica we are planning to accept? Is this the culture of criminality and negative behaviour we want to become the norm?

Way forward

It is imperative that trust, faith, and transparency be restored to the Jamaican justice system. Wealth, social class, nepotism, and political influence seems to play a crucial role in how justice has been served in our Jamaican society. So is it really justice for all?

Women and men who took the oath to serve and protect need to stop aligning themselves with criminal elements and do the right thing. If not, those who cannot comply should be removed from duty. If we are serious about lowering the crime rate, we have to get to the root of the problem.

In addition to strengthening accountability, the Integrity Commission should play a greater role in being a watchdog without political interference. Too many times we have seen political alignment influencing decisions and outcomes in matters of equal rights and justice. Also, transparency can be improved by making the legal process easily understood by the public and implementing measures to properly streamline case management within the courts.

In all honesty, I believe some people are not willing to give up the benefits they receive from a corrupt system. For example, if you can bribe a police officer by offering money or a drink to make traffic tickets go away, or you can pay off a judge or jury to get a lesser sentence, then why not? These acts reflect individual morals and values in our society today and what they are willing to do to get by. Hence, stricter measures and punishment should be in place to combat corrupt and criminal behaviour.

A more robust and structured crime plan for Jamaica

According to the JCF’s 2022 crime statistics, the country recorded 1,508 murders resulting in a homicide rate of 53.34 per 100 people, among the highest in the world for that year.

Looking at this alarming information, it baffles me how such a small developing nation can produce so many murders. What seems to be the issue? And what is it that needs to be done?

We need to stop being a society of enablers of corruption, whether in our families, places of employment, or Government. In addition, the JCF needs to be modernised, and this should be done by upgrading forensic labs, surveillance technology, and crime databases as well as implementing predictive policing to anticipate and prevent criminal activities. The Government should ensure adequate resources (human and financial) are invested in this effort. Most significantly, greater measures and effort need to be put in place to disrupt gangs and organised crime by aggressively prosecuting gang leaders and dismantling networks. The problem is that sometimes people who are put in place to protect and serve are aligning themselves with these miscreants. This cannot and will not work if the goal is to eradicate the magnitude of criminal activities in our country.

We all have to be responsible for how we live our lives and how we treat people, and there are consequences for every action or decision. When we decide as a nation to keep quiet, that is also a message sent. The decision is to turn a blind eye to injustices in our society and the message is that we either do not care or it is not our business. We have become cold, callous, and unforgiving as a nation, even to our very children who are helpless and vulnerable.

To combat this crime problem and maladaptive behaviour in society, it will take community effort. Let us work together as a nation to make Jamaica a place where we can live comfortably, work, grow, and do business.

Lynda Crichton is an assistant professor at University of the Commonwealth Caribbean. Send comments to the Jamaica Observer or lyndacrichton1 @ yahoo.com.