Nagra Plunkett, Assignment Coordinator

WESTERN BUREAU:

At-risk youths in St. James are to benefit from a special summer programme which is part of the police's plans to target gang violence in the parish.

"We are realising that most of the persons involved in the gangs are young adults, some of them still in high school," explained Superintendent Steve McGregor, commanding officer for St. James.

"We are going to see how best we can get them into some meaningful activities. In the new school year, we will better equip school resource officers to better target young gangs that are cropping up in schools."

He said plans are being fine-tuned for the programme, which will be spearheaded through the Community Relations Unit.

Four major criminal groupings have been identified in St. James: One Order, Killer Bees, Tight Pants, and Stone Crusher gangs, the latter notorious for a wave of brazen attacks and killings.

"Because of our methods, we have been able to occupy the spaces of the 'wanted men', resulting in more contact with these adversaries and has led us to capturing 15 of the main players," the officer told The Gleaner in an interview. "Unfortunately, 10 of them were fatally shot, including Rohan Gordon, leader of the Stone Crusher."

Helpful community meetings

He pointed out that support personnel from Mobile Reserve, Special Anti-Crime Task Force and the Jamaica Defence Force have seen increased mobile patrols in and around Montego Bay, especially the hot spots of Norwood, Glendevon and Salt Spring.

And, there are frequent cross-border patrols and operations in Hanover and Westmoreland, where police intelligence indicates are becoming safe haven for many displaced criminals.

"We have been doing community meetings, which have proven very helpful in our crime management strategies and building network with the public," added Supt. McGregor.

CHALLENGES

But while homicides are trending down in St. James, the incidence of rape and robbery is on the rise. Fifty-three cases of rapes have been reported since January, compared to 23 for the corresponding period in 2006.

There have been 113 robberies, compared to 70 for the same period last year.

Another challenge is the traffic nightmare, especially along the Bogue main road, and Queen's Drive in Montego Bay.

"It is not totally a police problem, but it is eating up a lot of resources that could be used elsewhere. I am hoping that the authorities will fast-track their efforts to make more roadways and a better bypass," the officer said.