Anti-Gang Strategy in Montego Bay

Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of area 1, Clifford Chambers says there’s no room in the JCF’s strategy to negotiate with criminals and wanted persons. Since the implementation of the anti-gang strategy in Montego Bay, ACP Chambers says he is anticipating positive results. The strategy is expected to clamp down on gangs that have been disrupting the peace in the parish, by way of increased surveillance. 

The parishes of St James, Hanover, Westmoreland and Trelawny are being severely impacted by crime and violence, despite efforts to restore law and order. The police in the vicinity which is known as area 1 has credited increased criminal activities in the area to gang organizations. Furthermore, the police have been focused on putting strategic and practical measures in place, to curb gang activities. ACP Chambers, says the anti-gang strategy in western Jamaica, is designed to eliminate gangsters.

He says these gangs include two of the major gangs notorious to Montego Bay. ACP Chambers says they are also focusing on the gangs from an investigative stand point, but that the process is further complicated by an overlapping of criminal activities. Mr. Chambers says despite a rise in some categories, crime overall is not spiraling out of control in the area.

He is confident that the police’s strategy will yield positive results in their operations.

Reporter: Nasika Alliman