JA gets new criminal database
Published:Friday | June 3, 2016 | 12:00 AMGary Spaulding
Jamaica's outdated paper-based criminal records system is now a thing of the past. Yesterday's launch of the Computerised Criminal Records System has been praised by crime-fighters and legal luminaries, including Chief Justice Zaila McCalla and Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn.
In a message delivered by Deputy Commissioner of Police Novelette Grant, Dr Carl Williams, the police commissioner, embraced the initiative that was financed by the United Kingdom.
"As an extension of this project, I am pleased to announce that further funding has been approved by the United Kingdom government to develop and interface between the new database and the fingerprint system already in place in Jamaica," said Williams.
He said that the next phase of the project would help to streamline the process for the sharing of biometric data such as DNA and fingerprint information.
Williams described the initiative as a revolution in law enforcement. "Jamaica embracing this move speaks to the country's effort in reforming the criminal justice system."
He said that well-managed record keeping was critical to good governance.
"While it may not take immediate prominence among the public's requirements of its elected public officials, it is essential to the development goals of the country," he asserted.
HONOURING THE RULE OF LAW
Williams added: "Placed within the context of Jamaica's crime challenge, which is a blight on the international stage, a well-managed criminal records (system) is vital in honouring the rule of law in the country."
State Minister in the Ministry of National Security Pearnel Charles Jr, speaking on behalf of Cabinet Minister Robert Montague, said that the system was about the enhancement of public safety and national security.
"We now have a shared database with the United Kingdom that will provide real-time information in our respective jurisdictions," he said.
Charles said that there has already been dynamic interface between the two countries in the use of this software.