Mark ShieldsMARK SHIELDS, newly-appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police, said yesterday that he has received over 100 telephone calls, since the publication in the Sunday Gleaner of his personal cellular number.
"Some of the callers were well-wishers, while others called and gave us some good information," said DCP Shields. "We just need to keep the momentum going."
The senior officer, who has served the London Metropolitan Police Force for more than 28 years, said that he was scheduled to leave the island for two weeks to attend to personal business in the United Kingdom.
During his absence, the DCP is advising members of the public to call and leave messages.
The senior Scotland Yard detective has received the backing of the opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).
JLP SUPPORTIVE
The Opposition spokesman on National Security, Derrick Smith, who met the DCP last Friday, said he was briefed on his terms of reference and tenure with the JCF. Mr. Smith said that the twin problem of crime and violence is a national priority of concern to all Jamaicans. He reiterated the JLP's position that it "must be given urgent attention in current bipartisan talks" between the two major political parties.
"Most of the people that I have spoken to have been very supportive," commented Mr. Shields.
Part of his mandate is to implement measures to help reduce the country's escalating crime rate. Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas has since increased resources and the number of personnel in troubled communities.
Up to yesterday, the Jamaica Constabulary Weekly Crime figures showed that 24 persons were murdered last week. Since the start of the year 374 persons have been slaughtered, this is more than the 135 killed within the corresponding period last year.
Last week's murder figure was a significant reduction from the 44 killed the previous week. Most of the killings have taken place in St. Andrew South where 56 persons have reportedly been murdered since the start of the year. In St. Catherine North, which covers the troubled Spanish Town area, 48 murders have been committed. These areas are followed by the tourist resort parish of St. James, which includes Montego Bay. The safest parishes in the island, based on the murder statistics are: St. Ann with eight, Portland with three and Manchester with one.
