Ross Sheil, Staff Reporter
DCP Mark Shields: "We are trying to ensure that we are using every possible means to develop our crime investigations and reduction policies." - FILE
THE JAMAICA Constabulary Force (JCF) is launching a new Crime Policy Group, with its first meeting set for Wednesday, November 30.
The forum, to be led by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mark Shields' Crime Portfolio Unit is intended to give effective strategic direction to crime-fighting efforts and implement the objectives of the JCF Corporate Strategy.
"We are trying to ensure that we are using every possible means to develop our crime investigations and reduction policies," explained DCP Shields.
The group will meet every six weeks with sub-committees meeting weekly or fortnightly.
There was, he stressed, a great deal of work going on within the police force. He cited the homicide and shootings task force in Kingston, the National Intelligence Bureau, forensics, information technology and ballistics.
"There are so many things that are going on that we need to co-ordinate in the right way and this is a far more businesslike approach. This makes the crime portfolio more accountable to the JCF as a whole," he added.
Membership will include all JCF units but also non-JCF persons from the ministries of National Security and Justice. Other groups such as the Peace Management Initiative (PMI) and Mustard Seed Communities will also be invited.
Community groups will also be involved, although DCP Shields stressed that the Crime Policy Group would not be a public advisory body. This role is to be performed by Independent Advisory Groups (IAGs) which are currently being developed.
"The IAGs are an ongoing consultation with my colleagues. It takes time and we are consulting with community and neighbourhood watch police officers across the country," he said. Ultimately, he added, the aim is to establish IAGs across the country.
KEY TARGETS
* Develop strategies, policies and procedures to improve management of criminal intelligence, investigations and crime reduction.
* Provide strategic direction, planning and co-ordination for training.
* Improve standards of investigations, case preparation and management.
