Wilson

As the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) implements strategies to tackle the country's crime problem, it has embarked on a process to improve investigative capability within the ranks of the Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB).

"We are putting a lot of focus on building the capacity of the CIB. We are looking for people with the right aptitude, energy and discipline to build that capacity," said Senior Superinten-dent Carlton Wilson, the officer in charge of investigation and training there.

Wilson said, subsequent to evaluations, a number of CIB personnel could be reassigned to areas where their skills are better suited.

CIB personnel are largely responsible for investiga-ting major crimes such as homicides, robberies and shootings.

The senior superintendent said his team would be intensifying its probe of the existing 180 gangs operating islandwide. More than 870 persons were slain in gang-related incidents last year.

The JCF Major Crime Statistics revealed that 1,680 people were murdered last year, 1,293 of that number victim to the gun.

Only 481 of those murders were cleared up. However, cleared-up conclusions include the fatal shooting of suspects, without necessarily harnessing sufficient physical or circumstantial evidence linking suspects to offences.

The crime statistics also indicated that CIB personnel effected fewer arrests compared with the previous year.

Arrests down

Last year, CIB cops arrested 5,368 of the 18,987 persons arrested in connection with various crimes. In 2008, detectives jailed 5,695 persons. That year, a total of 16,582 persons were arrested.

"Our focus this year is for people to be properly trained so we can improve the rate of conviction and, at the same time, facilitate the victims of crime, as much as possible," argued Wilson.

The senior superintendent said the training regimen will include programmes designed to improve service delivery. The courses will focus on proper investigative techniques, case preparation and presentation.

Detectives will be assisted by trained attorneys-at-law within the force. The attorneys will play a pivotal role in the preparation of case files and other legal aspects.

glenroy.sinclair@gleanerjm.com

'We are putting a lot of focus on building the capacity of the CIB. We are looking for people with the right aptitude, energy and discipline to build that capacity.'