National Security Minister Dwight Nelson came out with rhetorical guns blazing in an address to the nation last night, pledging to launch a direct and sustained assault on criminals.

Nelson, who assumed the ministerial portfolio three weeks ago, promised to "crush" them using the full force of the law.

Acknowledging that he has been assigned one of the most demanding jobs for any public servant, Nelson said he was prepared to face the challenges.

"I am determined to ensure that Jamaicans can live free from abuse, violence or threats of violence. I am determined to ensure that our children grow up in a safe and secure environment," he said.

Nelson said specific focus would be placed on curbing the recent surge in crime and criminality in western Jamaica, particularly St James.

Last year, some 216 persons were killed in St James despite several anti-crime measures implemented by the police. Since the start of the year over 50 people have been killed in the parish.

Causes of crime

Many of the murders have been linked to a lack of economic opportunities in Montego Bay's 19 inner-city enclaves, a thriving lottery scam, a shortage of dispute-resolution facilities and rampant police corruption.

He said the parishes of Manchester, St Elizabeth and Clarendon, as well as sections of the Kingston Metropolitan Region, were also high on the radar.

Nelson said he would be targeting the operators of the criminal networks that not only control the trade in illicit drugs and guns, but also human trafficking.

The minister further said he would be working to improve the links between law-abiding citizens and the police, as this was critical in the fight against crime.

"I will embark on a series of public consultations islandwide, accompanied and supported on these visits by the commissioner of police, the chief of defence staff and a technical team from my ministry, led by the permanent secretary," he said.

Nelson said he would be visiting all the communities where crime and violence has become routine.

"These consultations will provide me with a unique opportunity for direct dialogue, during which I will be able to listen to the views of the people, evaluate their recommendations and take on-board those elements which can be incorporated in our crime-fighting strategies," he said.

athaliah.reynolds@gleanerjm.com

Security objectives: Nelson's proposed critical deliverables

Implementation of the 124 recommendations of the Strategic Review of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

Acquisition and deployment of modern and sophisticated technology for crime fighting.

Allowance of sworn testimony of witnesses via remote video link.

Increase the numerical strength of the JCF over the next five years.

Explore the establishment of a citizen-based police reserve.

Strengthen the accountability mechanism to properly monitor performance of law-enforcement agencies.

Improved mobility of the police force; the purchase of 160 additional vehicles

Implementation of the National Identification System.