OPPOSITION SPOKESPERSON on National Security, Derrick Smith, expressed general support for the approach apparent in the anti-crime initiative outlined by the Prime Minister last night. But, he raised concerns that Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) areas may be unfairly targeted in the scourge.
Following on from the Prime Minister's comments that joint police and army operations were launched in certain communities, Mr. Smith told The Gleaner that it was a "cause for concern" that operations have reportedly begun in "sections of the West Kingston police division".
According to Mr. Smith, the community has seen a 60 per cent reduction in murder rates, a 26 per cent drop in incidence of rape and a drop of 25 per cent in shootings this year over last year and remarked that starting "your exercise in a police division which is showing very positive improvement surely sends the wrong signals".
However, he supported moves to increase stop and search capabilities on Jamaica's roads and welcomed the multi-agency approach touted by Mr. Patterson.
"There will be some inconvenience to law abiding citizens but one must expect some inconvenience," he said, and urged that the proposed searches should be carried out responsibly.
"In fairness this one is a little more broadbased. It has a security aspect, a legislative aspect and a social and economic package," he said.
"The Opposition is not opposed to additional methods to stamp out crime and violence. It is really necessary, the crime rate is alarming and frightening. We have expressed our concerns, aspects of it sound like things we have heard before, but there are some positive aspects."
One aspect that is long overdue, according to Mr. Smith, is the implementation of the National Oversight Committee to monitor the National Crime Report. The promise of this and the installation of a Parliamentary Committee by Christmas were welcomed by him.
However, he urged that the Government should "get on with" enabling the resumption of the death penalty as a punishment for capital murder. "It doesn't need a call from the Opposition to support it," he said.
