Opposition Spokesman on National Security, Senator Peter Bunting, says statistics released yesterday by the Jamaica Constabulary Force, JCF, provide a failing grade for the Government’s performance in its fight against crime.
The JCF’s weekly year-to-date Serious and Violent Crimes review indicated that between January 1 and September 11 this year, a total of 991 murders were recorded in Jamaica.
This is an increase of 10.5 percent compared to the corresponding period last year.
On the weekend, 18 murders including a quadruple killing took place within a 48-hour period.
Senator Bunting says a different approach is needed.
Further analysis of the JCF Statistics show a 32-percent increase in murders in four inner-city divisions including St. Andrew South and Kingston Divisions.
However, year-to-date arrests for murders are down 11-percent.
Senator Bunting is calling on the Government to develop new initiatives and bring new energy to the fight against violent crime.
He reiterated that increased social interventions in disadvantaged communities is one of the long-term solutions.
Senator Peter Bunting, Opposition Spokesman on National Security.
