The Crime Monitoring and Oversight Committee, CMOC hosted one of its quarterly press briefings on Friday, December 17. This briefing was geared at bringing the public up to date on the progress made by the security and justice apparatus in Jamaica’s fight against violent crimes.
To date, only six of the 26 targets due, have been completed. The committee expressed both satisfaction and disappointment towards several areas of the consensus.
The CMOC shared the progress of items on the legislative agenda that have missed their deadline. Four of the ten targets due for completion by end of December will miss their target dates.
The Chairman of the committee, Lloyd Distant Jr., sheds light on the progress of critical regulations. The committee has been advised that outstanding amendments to the firearms act should be placed before parliament in January.
Based on statistics for the second quarter of 2021, the supreme courts’ performance is behind expectations.The committee says it is keeping an eye on the current Klansman trial, which will signal the efficacy of the anti-gang legislation.
Meanwhile, the transformation of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has progressed with four of the six targets set out, completed, or solidly advanced.
Concerns have however been raised relating to the improvement in technology and equipment for the force. This is said to be due to fiscal constraints. Additionally, the committee contends that gaps exist as it relates to social and community transformation; a review of which will be done and recommendations made in the coming months.
