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The Jamaica Constabulary Force is depending heavily on the use of intelligence, technology and community participation to combat crime. This, according to Jamaica’s Deputy Commissioner of Police, Charles Scarlett of the Intelligence division.

Scarlett was a panelist at a Jamaican Community Forum organized by the Jamaican Diaspora Committee (Southern United States) and the Jamaica Ex-Police Association of Florida, held at the Holy Family Episcopal Church, Miami Gardens on Saturday. The panel discussed Jamaica’s crime problem with members of the Diaspora and highlighted measures being taken to combat the scourge.

Other panelists were Assistant Commissioner Glenmore Hinds (Operation King Fish) and Inspector V.C. Campbell (Narcotics). The group emphasized the importance of the collaboration of the JCF, the Jamaica Defense Force (JDF) and other intelligence from the United Kingdom, Canada and the USA in working with Operation Kingfish to fight organized crime.

Jamaicans present directed their concerns to the panel, which tackled questions concerning deportees, their effect on crime, and incidents pertaining to visiting Jamaicans who were victims of crime. The audience expressed its lack of confidence in the police force and its growing concern of Jamaica being labeled “the murder capital of the world.”{jospagebreak}

The Media and Statistics

Scarlett said crime is being misrepresented by the media, since the nature of many of the murders stem from the drug trade, gang violence and reprisal killings. “Simply put, we have too many idle hands and you know what happens to idle hands,” he said. He added that increasingly, women are becoming victims, but many are members of gangs or are related to gang members.

Scarlett pointed out that aljost 80 percent of violent crimes are committed by persons under age 30, which he said was unfortunate because too many youth have “condemned themselves to hopelessness… Our society has changed; we hurt each other for the simplest reasons.”

One of the major factors, according to Scarlett, is transnational organized crime. There is a growing influence of organized crime and corruption. He said, “Dons have the ability to access funds and exert influence on the community in a way that politicians can’t,” adding that this is compounded by an inadequate judicial system.

Operation Kingfish

Assistant Commissioner Hinds spoke about Operation Kingfish and its mandate to “dismantle the organized network in Jamaica”. He said many Jamaicans are unaware that major crimes in all areas but homicides are on the decrease, however, the police is working feverishly to reduce homicides.

Hinds informed there is much legislation before parliament, like a Plea Bargain Act that will assist in the apprehension of criminals. One other such act is the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act which is vital to Operation Kingfish.

He called for help from the Diaspora to use its influence to lobby parliament for changes. “Laws that were effective in the 50s and 60s are no longer relevant,” he told the gathering. {jospagebreak}

Corruption and Drugs

Inspector Campbell, Narcotics Division, said there is a reduction in the cocaine trade. Narcotics have been able to make majors arrests involving drug dons including Bahamians, Colombians and Jamaicans.

He said one of the priorities for Commissioner of Police, Lucius Thomas, is creating a motivated police force. Additionally, the leadership is applying integrity and competence in pursuing and addressing corrupt police officers who weaken the nation’s confidence in the JCF.

Campbell called on the Diaspora to be vigilant since many murders occurring in Jamaica have direct links to criminals in the US. “Criminals have stayed in the US and successfully organize crimes in Jamaica,” he said.

Audience response

CNWeekly sought the opinion of the audience on the discussion. According to Roosevelt Vaughn, “The officers addressed what they could. I think Operation Kingfish is doing a good job.”

Jennifer Hue said, “I think today was quite a wonderful forum. They answered the questions.” She hopes there are more discussions like these that will help people to understand what is happening in the island.  

Eglon Wright said, “I know Operation Kingfish is doing a good job. As long as we support them and they continue [to combat crime] we will have positive things ahead.”

According to Nelly Reid, “We all know there is a problem and apparently things are looking up. But we want to see these men a year from now and hear what changes have been made. By then we should see some positive results.”

The forum was moderated by Miramar Commissioner and host of WAVS’ ‘Open Line’, Winston Barnes and attended by a wide cross-section of Jamaicans and other Caribbean nationals in the Diaspora.