St Ann SOE nabs wanted persons

Several persons who were wanted for serious crimes are among 25 individuals taken into custody in St Ann, during the first week of the state of public emergency (SOE) in the parish.

Commander of the police division, Senior Superintendent Dwight Powell, speaking at a meeting arranged by the St Ann Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, disclosed that murders, shootings, and robberies are among the offences the individuals have been detained for as the security forces go after criminal elements.

He hailed the support given to the police by the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), indicating their help led to the success achieved.

"We're seeing tremendous results ... my only wish is that we (could) have this for more than 30 days," Powell said. He said he welcomed the SOE as he believes it gives the lawmen added power to treat crime and criminality.

"It's reassurance for law-abiding citizens in St Ann but a terror for criminal elements. There's absolutely no hiding place in St Ann (for criminals)," he stated.

Powell told the meeting, which was held at the Sir John McDowell Conference Centre, that while he was concerned about the crime rate in the parish, he was not worried.

He admitted there was a challenge with robberies as the figure has almost doubled compared to last year. For 2022, there have been 96 robberies recorded in St Ann, compared to 49 for the corresponding period in 2021.