Commissioner of Police Lucius Thomas (right) and Deputy Commissioner of Police Jevene Bent address journalists at the Police Officers' Club, Hope Road, St. Andrew, yesterday. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

Shelly-Ann Thompson, Gleaner Writer

Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas is predicting that murders will be reduced by seven per cent in 2007, as the police renew efforts to control the roads and limit the movement of itinerant criminals. This, while strengthening other crime strategies.

During a press conference held yesterday at the Police Officers' Club on Hope Road, St. Andrew, Commissioner Thomas said the security forces will be monitoring the roads to "seriously disrupt the movement of criminals".

He said that a "more vigorous and detailed approach" will be taken this year by the police on the roads, which will go beyond spot checks for speeding and examination of motor vehicle documents.

Potential trouble areas

He acknowledged that towns such as Ocho Rios in St. Ann will become problem areas like Montego Bay, St. James, if 'hot spots' are not identified and the mobility of criminals not controlled.

He said the police and military will also continue to work jointly on the road in apprehending wrongdoers.

"I will not elaborate on these operations at this time; suffice it to say that we are having good results," Mr. Thomas said.

Still, the commissioner reiterated concerns that the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is equipped with dilapidated and shaky motor vehicles. He said that, of the more than 1,000 vehicles assigned to the JCF, over 700 are at least 10 years old. These motor vehicles, he added, should only be in the force for three years.

"We are chronically short of motor vehicles, both in terms of numbers and the condition ... we patch, we repair, but it is never enough," he said.

However, he insisted that this problem would not deter the police from taking control of the roads.

He said the JCF was confident that, despite challenges to be faced during 2007, it would be able to adequately police and bring crime and violence under control.

Crime plan

Against the backdrop of 143 murders recorded since the start of the year, 27 more than the same period last year, the police commissioner noted that, with better control of the country's roads and tightening of operating procedures and efficiencies, crime would be decreased.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Linval Bailey and his team have been mandated to manage this increased road presence.

Last year the team undertook 44,000 spot checks and examined more than a million vehicles and persons. The activities resulted in more than 18,000 arrests.

Crime Initiatives 2007