Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Writer

Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas this week announced new measures for apprehending sex offenders in response to the worrying rise in cases of carnal abuse.

Mr. Thomas said the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Carnal Abuse (CISOCA), which was previously under the community relations department of the police force, has now been shifted to the crime portfolio.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force also intends to appeal to the Government to table legislation for the establishment of a Sexual Offenders Register.

In addition, the Child Protection Unit, within the CISOCA, will be strengthened with police officers and support staff who are professionally trained in dealing with children and young persons who have been sexually or otherwise abused.

"Such a measure will assist both the police and other agencies to track and identify the whereabouts of sex offenders, especially when serious sexual crimes have been committed and are being investigated," said Commissioner Thomas during a press conference at the Police Officers Club on Hope Road on Wednesday.

New measures

"By strengthening and introducing new measures to deal with victims of sexual offence, our desire is to reach out to those victims in a humane and caring manner," he added.

Based on statistics, there was an increase in carnal abuse for 2006 when compared to the previous year. For January alone, there were 14 reported cases of carnal abuse in 2005, 17 in 2006 and 16 for this year.

Except for carnal abuse, all other major crimes such as shooting, rape, breaking and larceny declined last year when compared to 2005.

The centre will establish a 24-hour response to victims of sexual offences. In addition, an interview and debrief suite is being established and will be equipped with technology to accurately record interviews with vulnerable victims.

Helpline

For assistance regarding sexual offences call: 926-4079

- shelly-ann.thompson @gleanerjm.com