Monday, September 29, 2014 | 1:26 PM
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica — National Security Minister Peter Bunting has said that Jamaicans need to change their thinking that the solution to crime and violence rests with law enforcement.
“Law enforcement has an important role to play, but if we think it is only law enforcement that is going to fix our crime problem, then we are seriously mistaken. The truth of the matter is…when you look at the root causes of crime, it starts with the family,” the minister said.
Bunting emphasised that there needs to be a deepened understanding among Jamaicans of the causes of crime and violence affecting the island.
Addressing the launch of a Unite for Change forum and First Responders and Violence Interrupters training at the Ocho Rios High School in St Ann, on September 28, the Minister said the understanding is needed in order to identify and put in place strategies aimed at fighting the scourge.
He said it is hoped that through the Unite for Change programme, the quest for a better understanding of the issues surrounding crime and violence will be achieved and a number of misconceptions will be removed from the thinking of Jamaicans.
“A part of the Unite for Change initiative is really working to deepen our understanding of the causes of violence, because if you don’t understand what is causing it…you will end up just treating the symptoms and not curing the disease,” the Minister argued.
Meanwhile, Bunting said one of the strategies being employed by his Ministry in curbing crime and violence is the use of “softer policing”, where members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) are dressed in a more civilian-friendly manner, instead of looking as if they are on a mission to confront.
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Jamaicans need to change misconception about crime solution—security minister
