Crime Stop is operational and active

IN A letter, dated Saturday, May 16, Donald J. McKoy requested an update from Crime Stop, after voicing his concern on whether the organisation is successful in fighting crime.

We must note that Mr McKoy’s point and subsequent question is fair, as we have not recently publicised our successes. Nevertheless, I can assure you that Crime Stop Jamaica, in its 31st year of existence, is still successful, in large part, due to citizen participation.

There is a general misconception that the organisation is an arm of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). Though we partner with law enforcement, we are a private-sector initiative that was established to bridge the gap between citizens and the police. Therefore, where we are ‘dead serious’ in mitigating crime, our contribution to this fight is through providing a confidential conduit for our citizens to give information on criminal activities. This information is then disseminated to the JCF, who actions the intelligence received.

This unique partnership between our organisation and the JCF has been remarkably successful. Since inception to April 2020, Crime Stop has received 28,898 tips from citizens. Focusing on the last 24 months, March 2018 to April 2020, Crime Stop received 2,235 tips, which resulted in 287 successes, including 200 arrests. We measure success through the recovery and/or seizure of stolen or illegal items and arrest and charge. Therefore, of the number of successes highlighted above, Crime Stop assisted in the seizure of 107 illegal firearms and 3,164 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, we have assisted in the seizure and destruction of $70,405,303 worth of narcotics and recovered approximately $20,516,955 worth of stolen property.

It must be understood that Crime Stop cannot publicly take credit for successes that are otherwise featured in the media, due to the risk of compromising our sources. Nevertheless, we will make it our point of duty to give the public a more frequent update of our progress in mitigating the country’s crime problem.

CHERISE BRUCE-DOUGLAS Manager

Crime Stop Jamaica jacrimestop@psoj.org